Family: Bromeliaceae
Origin, Description & Uses:
Werauhia gladioliflora is a bromeliad native from southern Mexico through tropical South America. It is a large, tank-forming epiphyte that produces a vase-shaped rosette of broad, arching leaves and showy, gladiolus-like flowers. It is grown as an ornamental plant and can be propagated vegetatively, making it attractive for horticultural use. In Hawaiʻi, it is naturalized on Kauaʻi, naturalizing on Oʻahu, and potentially naturalizing on Hawaiʻi Island.
Risks & Threats:
Werauhia gladioliflora is naturalized in Hawaiʻi and possesses traits that are cause for concern, including its ability to establish outside cultivation and reproduce vegetatively. As an epiphytic bromeliad capable of growing on trees and other substrates, it could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems if it expands into additional areas. Where it is already widespread, its use should be managed or prevented in areas where it is not yet widely established to minimize further negative impacts. When planting an ornamental bromeliad, choose a low-risk or native alternative whenever suitable alternatives are available.
The Hawaii-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA) is a service of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC).
High Risk Traits:
- Naturalized: Already established on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island.
- Potential Environmental Weed: Threatens native forests and ecosystems.
- Broad Climate Suitability: Grows from sea level to 1,300 m.
- Shade Tolerant: Can invade forest understories and canopies.
- Self-Compatible: Fully self-fertile; no pollinator required.
- Prolific Seeder: Produces up to ~1 million seeds per season.
- Persistent Seed Bank: Seeds remain viable for 12–22 months.
- Wind-Dispersed: Plumed seeds spread efficiently by wind.
- Vegetative Reproduction: Spreads via offsets (pups).
- Lacks Natural Enemies: Missing predators/parasites that limit spread in native range.
- Provides Pest Habitat: Water tanks breed disease-vectoring mosquitoes.
Low Risk Traits:
- No Spines/Thorns: Lacks physical defenses.
- Non-Toxic: Safe for humans, cats, and dogs.
- Low Fire Risk: Fleshy, water-storing form does not increase fuel loads.
- Slow to Mature: May take ~5 years to reach flowering.
