Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Indian Toothcup (Rotala indica) - Uncertain Risk

Rotala indica, the Indian Toothcup, is a semiaquatic, annual flowering plant that is native to Asia. R. indica is found in wet habitats, including rice fields, where it is considered a weed within its native range. R. indica is widespread in the aquarium trade in Europe and the United States. It has been introduced to California and Louisiana, most likely in rice seed. The History of Invasiveness for Rotala indica is classified as Data Deficient due to a lack of information regarding impacts of introduction. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species. Most areas of the contiguous United States showed medium to high climate match. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as Low due to the lack of information regarding impacts of its introduction, despite its status as an agricultural weed in rice cultivation within the native range. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Rotala indica in the contiguous United States is Uncertain.

Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Risk Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments.