Family: Solanaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability and elevation range
  
• Grows and spreads in regions with tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands) and widely naturalized elsewhere
  
• A weed of disturbed habitats, and mesic to wet forests
  
• Identified as a threat to certain endangered plants in the Hawaiian Islands, although not conclusively implicated in specific, detrimental effects
  
• Other Physalis species are invasive weeds
  
• Suspected to being toxic to grazing animals
  
• Foliage and green fruits toxic to people
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reported to form dense stands in certain habitats
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Self-fertile
  
• Reaches maturity in one growing season
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and other fruit eating mammals, and through intentional cultivation; inflated, balloon-like calyx aids in wind and water dispersal
  
• Seeds may form a persistent seed bank (longevity unspecified)
  
• Tolerates heavy pruning and cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• Impacts appear to be minimal or inconsequential in most habitats where it occurs
  
• Valued for its edible fruit
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control