Family: Cactaceae

Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis (brazilian prickly pear) is a cactus native to South America. It is sometimes used as an ornamental plant in desert gardens (xeriscaping). It has edible fruits that are used in folk medicine. It is naturalized in Florida, and Puerto Rico. It has been reported to be naturalizing on Hawaiʻi Island in the Kaʻu area since 2016. Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis is dangerous due to its sharp spines. It may spread easily from fallen pads, and through animals who have consumed its fruit.

High Risk Traits:

• Able to grow in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in Florida, and Puerto Rico. Naturalizing on Hawaii Island
  
• Spiny
  
• Spines may deter browsing
  
• Younger plants Shade-tolerant, Older plants thrive in full sun
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by fallen pads
  
• Seeds dispersed by fruit-eating animals and intentionally by people
  
• Limited ecological information outside native range may reduce accuracy of risk prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental uses and edible fruit
  
• Seeds relatively large, which may limit accidental dispersal
  
• Fruit may ripen after falling to ground, which could limit bird dispersal