Family: Orchidaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Zeuxine strateumatica, commonly known as lawn orchid or soldier orchid, is a small terrestrial orchid native to Iran, Central Asia, and tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It forms low-growing mats or colonies with narrow, grass-like leaves and inconspicuous white to pale pink flowers that appear on upright spikes. This orchid has been introduced to many regions as an ornamental curiosity and may also spread unintentionally as a lawn or turf contaminant due to its small size and ability to persist in disturbed areas.

Risks & Threats
Zeuxine strateumatica is naturalized in Hawaiʻi on Oʻahu and Maui and possesses traits that are cause for concern, including its ability to spread through creeping stems and establish in managed and disturbed habitats. Although it is a small orchid and not currently considered one of Hawaiʻi’s most aggressive invaders, its persistence and ability to form colonies could allow it to compete with native plants and alter plant communities in tropical island ecosystems. This species could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems, particularly in habitats where native vegetation is vulnerable. Choose a low-risk or native alternative when available, and where this species is already established, manage existing populations and avoid further planting or spread into areas where it is not yet widespread.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad geographic distribution and elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Oʻahu and Maui (Hawaiian Islands) and widely naturalized elsewhere
  
• Regarded as weedy in several habitats, often disturbed (but evidence of negative impacts lacking)
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Reproduces by seeds (and may resprout from rhizomes)
  
• Apomictic
  
• Reaches maturity in <1 year (10 months)
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind, water and as a contaminant of seed and soil
  
• Prolific seed production

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite widespread naturalization and description as a weed, evidence of negative impacts is generally unspecified or lacking
  
• Generally restricted to anthropogenic habitats
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental