Family: Cucurbitaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in West Africa, from Sierra Leone to Nigeria, Madagascar, Réunion and Mauritius.
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Establishes in disturbed and abandoned sites
  
• Related species are invasive and weedy
  
• Seeds may be toxic to animals and people
  
• Climbing and possibly smothering habit
  
• Reaches maturity quickly (6-10 weeks)
  
• Fruits may be water dispersed

Low Risk Traits:

• Long history of cultivation. Despite ability to spread, no negative impacts have been documented
  
• Requires well-drained soil and full sun to thrive
  
• Edible fruit
  
• Fibrous interior used as a rough cloth or sponge
  
• Requires cross-pollination
  
• Relatively large fruits and seeds may limit dispersal potential
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control