Family: Linderniaceae

Torenia asiatica (Ola’a beauty, wishbone flower) is an herb native from Nepal to Japan (S. Kyushu) and Indo-China, Malesia. It is commonly cultivated as a garden plant with many Torenia hybrids appearing in the last 30 years. It is reported to be naturalized on Hawaiʻi Island, Oʻahu, Maui and Kauaʻi. This plant is capable of being a nuisance weed, and a crop and orchard weed. It spreads easily from node and root fragments. It has prolific seed production and tolerates pruning well, as well as being resistant to shade. For these reasons this plant can become a nuisance and should not be planted.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Hawaiʻi Island, Oʻahu, Maui and Kauaʻi
  
• Reported to be a nuisance weed, and potential crop and orchard weed, in the Hawaiian Islands
  
• Other species have become invasive
  
• Deer resistant (possibly unpalatable)
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Able to spread vegetatively (roots at nodes) and from stem fragments
  
• Annual (able to reach maturity in one growing season)
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind & intentionally by people
  
• Prolific seed production (densities unknown)
  
• Tolerates regular pruning

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental (lei flower)