Family: Fabaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability, and potential elevation range exceeds 1000 m
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands), and elsewhere in the tropics
  
• A common weed of, and controlled in, lawns and golf fairways; also a weed of roadside and vacant lots
  
• A frequently reported weed of several agricultural crops, although negative impacts are generally not quantified or specified
  
• Other species may also be weeds
  
• May be a host of crop pests and pathogens
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seed as an annual or perennial and vegetatively by rooting at nodes
  
• Reported to be self-pollinated
  
• Able to reach maturity in one growing season
  
• Seeds dispersed in the dung of grazing animals, by water, through intentional cultivation, and possibly by other vectors
  
• Capable of prolific seed production
  
• Seeds are hard-coated, and may form a persistent seed bank
  
• Tolerates regular grazing and mowing

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Not reported to be toxic
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control