Family: Asparagaceae

Eustrephus latifolius is a vine native to eastern Australia, Melanesia, and eastern Indonesia. The fruit of this vine is edible, and it is most commonly used as a decorative fruit. It is reported to be naturalized in Java and New Zealand, but can only be found in Hawaiʻi in cultivation. This plant is shade tolerant, can resprout after cutting and fire, and spreads by tuberous roots and seeds, calling into question its capacity for invasiveness. 

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Reported to be naturalized in Java and New Zealand
  
• Shade tolerant (may be able to invade intact forest)
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Climbing habit (although not reported to smother other vegetation)
  
• Able to resprout from tuberous roots
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Reaches maturity in 3-5 years from seed
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, other fruit-eating animals, and intentionally by people
  
• Able to resprout after cutting and fire

Low Risk Traits:

• Generally considered a non-aggressive plant that can be outcompeted by more vigorous species
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Palatable tubers and fruit
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively