Rosary Pea is native to various regions in South and Southeast Asia, showing a presence also in some Pacific islands. Its cultivation extends beyond its native range, and rosary Pea has been introduced to parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and as far as Australia. Although rosary Pea is cultivated, in certain areas it is sometimes thought to be invasive and may have an impact on local ecosystems.

Rosary Pea contains the toxin abrin in its seeds, which is lethal if ingested. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, bloody diarrhea, and severe outcomes like seizures, organ failure, and death. It is highly toxic to dogs and cats; ingestion causes vomiting, tremors, and increased heart rate, leading to a medical emergency. Immediate veterinary care is crucial.

Rosary Pea is now widespread throughout tropical regions globally. In the Global Compendium of Weeds, it is listed as an ‘agricultural weed,’ ‘environmental weed,’ ‘weed,’ and ‘naturalized;' it has been listed as a Category I Noxious Weed in Florida, USA, and considered invasive in Cuba, some parts of Asia-Pacific, and has been naturalized in many other tropical areas. The factors that promote its invasiveness are aggressive growth, spread through suckers, deep roots that are hard to remove, and well-protected, hard-shelled seeds. These bright red seeds are spread by the wind, water, and animals (birds). The seeds are also extremely toxic to humans; chewing even a single seed can be fatal.

Regular monitoring, early detection, and manual removal before the rosary Pea establishes itself are the most important preventive measures against this species. Seedlings and small plants should be removed by hand pulling. The plants should be removed with their roots and disposed of in an adequate way so they won't resprout. Since the plant also reproduces by seed, removing flower stalks before fruiting can significantly reduce rosary Pea spread. Tillage can be very effective if terrain and surrounding vegetation allow such a mechanical method. The plant is sensitive to several herbicides containing triclopyr and glyphosate. A repeated chemical application can keep the infestation under control.