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