Family: Melastomataceae

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands)
  
• An environmental weed in the Hawaiian Islands, threatening native ecosystems and rare and endangered plant species
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively from root fragments
  
• Agamospermous (capable of producing seeds asexually)
  
• Reaches maturity quickly
  
• Minute seeds dispersed by water, attached to birds and other animals, in soil attached to hikers, and possibly short distances by wind
  
• Prolific seed production (>500 seeds/fruit capsule)

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic