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