Family: Melastomataceae
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives and spreads in regions with tropical climates
- Broad elevation range (>1000 m)
- Naturalized on Oahu (Hawaiian Islands)
- A Hawaii state noxious weed of stream sides and wet forest with the potential to impact native biodiversity or ecosystem function
- Shade tolerant
- A dominant plant in its native and introduced range, with the potential to outcompete or exclude other vegetation
- Reproduces by seeds
- Fast growth rate and rapid time to reproductive maturity
- Seeds dispersed by water, probably in mud on shoes, equipment or animals, and through intentional cultivation
- Prolific reproduction along streams
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Palatable to pigs and probably other grazing animals (used as fodder within native range
- Non-toxic
- Young stems reported to be edible and used for food in native range
- Dispersal requirements may limit spread
