Family: Arecaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability (USDA zones 8B-11)
  
• History of repeated introductions outside native range
  
• Host for recognized pests and pathogens (e.g., banana moth)
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates wide range of soil conditions (alkaline, clay, sand, acidic, loam)
  
• Forms dense thickets
  
• Reproduces vegetatively (suckers/division)
  
• Tolerates mutilation (resprouts from base after damage/fire)

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization or weediness
  
• Not known to be invasive
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No evidence of allelopathic, toxic, or allergic properties
  
• Dioecious (requires male and female plants for seed)
  
• Large fruit with few seeds, not prolifically seeding
  
• Seeds short-lived (no persistent seed bank)