Family: Sapindaceae
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Naturalized on Oahu and Maui, Hawaiian Islands, as well as Florida
- Environmental weed in Florida (displaces native vegetation)
- Shade-tolerant
- Tolerates many soil types
- Forms dense stands
- Self-compatible
- Seeds dispersed by birds, possibly water and intentionally by people
- Prolific seed production
- Able to coppice and resprout after cutting and fire
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Provides fodder for livestock (palatable despite reports of toxicity)
- Ornamental
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
- Reaches maturity in 5 years
- Seeds lack physical dormancy (no reports of persistent seed banks)
- Herbicides may provide effective control