Family: Poaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized on Kaua'i and Hawai'i
  
• Thrives in tropical/subtropical climates.
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.
  
• Documented weed of pastures and sugarcane.
  
• Unpalatable to grazing animals, reducing forage value.
  
• Increases fire hazard in ecosystems.
  
• Forms dense, monotypic thickets.
  
• Reproduces by viable seed and is self-compatible.
  
• Hybridizes with related species.
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind, water, and through animal guts.
  
• Tolerates and benefits from fire and mutilation.

Low Risk Traits:

• Lacks spines, thorns, or burrs.
  
• Not parasitic or toxic.
  
• Does not reproduce vegetatively.