Family: Melastomataceae

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized: Hawaii (Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i), Australia, Palau, Samoa.
  
• Weed: Agricultural weed (Africa, Australia) and environmental weed (Palau, Samoa), forming dense mats that exclude other species.
  
• Climate: Highly suited to tropical/subtropical climates.
  
• Shade tolerant: Establishes in forest understories.
  
• Growth habit: Creeping groundcover that can climb and smother other plants.
  
• Reproduction: Spreads vegetatively via fragments; intentionally planted by people.
  
• Response to mutilation: Fragmentation aids spread, complicating mechanical control.

Low Risk Traits:

• Habitat specificity: Demands moist conditions, limiting spread in drier areas.
  
• Physical/chemical traits: No spines, burrs, or evidence of toxicity.
  
• Seed dispersal: Not adapted for wind, bird, or external animal dispersal.
  
• Seed production: Fruit infrequently formed in cultivation.
  
• Herbicide control: Reported to be effectively controlled with chemicals.