Family: Melastomataceae

High Risk Traits:

• Forms dense, monotypic stands in native forests
  
• Broad climate tolerance (wide elevation & high rainfall)
  
• Shade tolerant (sun or full shade)
  
• Self-compatible (no pollinator needed)
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds survive gut passage
  
• Prolific seed production (~3 million seeds/tree, 2–3x/year)
  
• Persistent seed bank (2–4 years)
  
• Resprouts from cut stumps
  
• Spreads unintentionally (vehicles, boots, machinery)
  
• Introduced intentionally as ornamental

Low Risk Traits:

• Not allelopathic, parasitic, toxic, or fire-promoting