Family: Araceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Syngonium podophyllum, commonly known as arrowhead plant, is a climbing or trailing evergreen vine native to Mexico, Central America, and tropical regions of the Americas. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive arrow-shaped leaves, which may be green, cream, pink, or variegated depending on the cultivar. Popular as a houseplant, hanging basket specimen, or tropical landscape groundcover, it is valued for its adaptability to low light conditions and ease of cultivation. In Hawaiʻi, it has become naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Maui, and is potentially naturalizing on Hawaiʻi Island.

Risks & Threats
Arrowhead plant is naturalized in Hawaiʻi and possesses traits that are cause for concern in tropical island ecosystems. It spreads both vegetatively and by seed, grows rapidly in moist environments, and can climb into surrounding vegetation, forming dense mats that smother native plants and alter forest understories. Its ability to thrive in shaded habitats allows it to invade natural areas, where it may compete with native species for space, light, and resources. Because of these invasive characteristics, Syngonium podophyllum could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems if allowed to spread unchecked. Where suitable, gardeners and landscapers are encouraged to choose low-risk or native alternatives. In areas where arrowhead plant is already widespread, efforts should focus on responsible management and preventing its introduction into new locations or nearby natural areas to minimize further ecological impacts.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized and invasive in multiple Pacific islands and Florida
  
• Naturalized on Kaua'i, O'ahu, and Maui, and potentially naturalizing on Hawai'i
  
• Listed as a common weed in El Salvador
  
• Designated as a Category I invasive exotic in Florida
  
• Climbing or smothering growth habit
  
• Toxic to animals and humans
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Reproduces vegetatively by fragmentation
  
• Propagules dispersed unintentionally via discarded landscape material
  
• Widely introduced and spread intentionally as an ornamental
  
• Tolerates mutilation and resprouts after pulling, making control difficult

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No evidence of allelopathy or parasitism
  
• Not a fire hazard
  
• Not a produce contaminant
  
• Not adapted to wind or water dispersal
  
• Requires specialist pollinators (scarab beetles)
  
• Limited environmental versatility (narrow climate range)