Family: Malvaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in tropical regions
  
• Congeneric species are invasive
  
• Host for pests & pathogens (e.g., root-knot nematode, mealybugs)
  
• Tolerates wide range of soils (sandy, loamy, clay, acidic, neutral, alkaline)
  
• Hybridizes naturally & self-compatible
  
• Reproduces by viable seed
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds & survive gut passage

Low Risk Traits:

• Not shade tolerant
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Not allelopathic, parasitic, or toxic to animals/humans
  
• Palatable to grazing animals
  
• No vegetative fragmentation; propagated by seed
  
• No adaptations for wind, water, or external animal dispersal
  
• Cannot regrow after harvest; requires replanting