Family: Myrtaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Lanai and probably Hawaii Island; also naturalized in Australia, South Africa, the continental US (Florida) and the West Indies
  
• An environmental weed in Australia and Florida, reported to form dense stands that reduce native biodiversity
  
• Host of fruit flies, as well as other fungal pathogens of Myrtaceae Tolerates many soil types (potential to spread not limited by substrate)
  
• May form thickets within native and introduced range
  
• Reproduces by seeds, and possibly by suckering
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Reaches maturity in as little as two years (although may take longer)
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, pigs, other fruit eating animals and intentionally by people
  
• Tolerates repeated and severe pruning

Low Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, but no reports to date of impacts to native ecosystems
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Palatable to browsing animals and may provide fodder for livestock
  
• Edible fruit
  
• Thrives in full sun to partial shade (dense shade may limit spread)
  
• Seeds lose viability quickly and will not form a persistent seed bank
  
• Herbicides can provide effective control if needed