Family: Cucurbitaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics, as a cultivated and naturalized plant.
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Broad climate suitability and elevation range (>1000 m)
  
• Weed of disturbed and abandoned sites
  
• Seeds may be toxic to animals and people
  
• Host of pests and pathogens
  
• Climbing and possibly smothering habit
  
• Shade-tolerant and grows on many soil types
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Reaches maturity quickly (<1 year)
  
• Seeds dispersed intentionally be people as well as by gravity and wind (short distances)

Low Risk Traits:

• Long history of cultivation. Certain cultivars may be less weedy
  
• Young fruit and leaves are edible
  
• Fibrous interior used as a rough cloth or sponge
  
• Relatively large fruits and seeds may limit dispersal potential
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control