Family: Ochnaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in Hawaii (O'ahu, Maui and Hawai'i Island) and Australia
  
• Environmental weed in Australia; dominates shrub layer
  
• Congeneric (O. thomasiana) is invasive
  
• Shade tolerant (understory plant)
  
• Forms dense, blocking thickets
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Reproduces vegetatively (cuttings, clippings)
  
• Intentionally spread by people as ornamental
  
• Propagules dispersed by water and birds
  
• Seeds survive bird gut passage
  
• Tolerates clipping; re-sprouts after damage

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Minimum 4+ years to maturity
  
• Seeds large → not wind-dispersed, produce contaminant, or unintentionally moved
  
• No external animal dispersal
  
• Low seed production; no persistent seed bank
  
• Well controlled by herbicides