Family: Acanthaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana, commonly known as Persian shield, is native to parts of South and Southeast Asia, ranging from Bangladesh to Thailand. This striking tropical shrub is prized for its iridescent foliage, featuring deep purple leaves with metallic silver highlights that make it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes worldwide. Typically growing 3–4 feet tall, it thrives in warm, humid conditions and partial shade, where its colorful foliage provides year-round visual interest. Persian shield is commonly used in tropical garden beds, borders, shaded landscapes, and container plantings.

Risks & Threats
Although Strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses traits that are cause for concern. The species can reproduce vegetatively from stem fragments and thrives in moist, tropical environments similar to those found throughout Hawaiʻi. In suitable habitats, it may spread beyond cultivation, forming dense stands that could compete with native vegetation and alter understory plant communities. Because of its potential to negatively impact tropical island ecosystems if it escapes cultivation, caution is warranted when planting this species. Whenever possible, choose a low-risk or native alternative to help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique natural environments.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized outside native range (Queensland, Australia)
  
• Invades understorey of rainforest margins and creek lines
  
• Listed as an undesirable plant in Wet Tropics World Heritage Area
  
• Congeneric weed (Strobilanthes hamitonianus invasive on Réunion and Mauritius)
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil types (loamy, sandy, acid, alkaline, neutral)
  
• Reproduces by vegetative fragmentation (stem fragments resprout)
  
• Propagules dispersed intentionally by people (popular ornamental)
  
• Tolerates mutilation and benefits from pruning (resprouts from fragments)
  
• Seeds produced and viable
  
• Deer and rabbit resistant (unpalatable)

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No serious pest or disease problems
  
• Capsules infrequently formed in cultivation
  
• No evidence of wind, bird, or external animal dispersal
  
• Herbicide control possible (glyphosate effective)