Family: Arecaceae
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability (USDA zones 9b–11)
- Tolerates wide range of soil conditions
- History of repeated introductions outside native range
- Produces viable seed; germinates readily (1–2 months)
- Seeds intentionally dispersed by people (ornamental horticulture)
- Seeds dispersed by birds and mammals (endozoochory)
Low Risk Traits:
- No evidence of naturalization anywhere
- Not recorded as a weed (garden, agricultural, or environmental)
- Very slow to mature (first flowering at 25–35 years)
- Obligate outcrosser (self-incompatible)
- No vegetative reproduction
- Not a prolific seed producer
- Seedlings sensitive to fire and shade
- No specialized dispersal mechanisms (no wind, water, or external attachment)
