Family: Polypodiaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands), Florida, and possibly New Zealand
  
• Considered a potential environmental weed in Florida
  
• May be unpalatable to browsing animals
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• An epiphyte (could compete with native epiphytic species)
  
• Reproduces by spores and vegetatively by “pups”
  
• Spores dispersed by wind and intentionally cultivated by people
  
• Prolific spore production

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite naturalization, no negative impacts reported to date
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental
  
• Reaches maturity in 4+ years
  
• Spores may lose viability in <1 year (longevity in natural environment undocumented)