Abstract
Invasive species have attracted widespread attention because of their ecological, economic, and social impacts. Vernonia amygdalina Del. (commonly known as bitter leaf) is a perennial shrub in the Asteraceae family, native to tropical Africa and widely recognized for its medicinal value. In recent years, this species has been reported sporadically in southern China, raising concerns about its potential to become invasive. Here, we assess the risk of invasion posed by V. amygdalina through synthesizing evidence on its taxonomic background, morphological and life-history traits, reproductive strategies, allelopathic effects, defense mechanisms, climate suitability, and human-mediated introduction and cultivation practices. Overall, the available evidence suggests that V. amygdalina may have substantial invasion potential, supported by high reproductive capacity, strong allelopathic effects, effective defense traits, and broad climatic tolerance. Moreover, current introduction and cultivation practices in southern China may further increase invasion risk by elevating propagule pressure. Preventive actions, including early detection, targeted monitoring, and surveillance systems will be important for managing this species and mitigating potential ecological threats. Our synthesis also highlights the value of assessing invasion risk before introducing non-native species.