Family: Arecaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Oahu, and possibly Kauai (Hawaiian Islands) and elsewhere
  
• Regarded as weedy and potentially invasive in a number of tropical locations (although impacts have not been described)
  
• Host of palm pests and pathogens
  
• Fruit an irritant and may cause dermatitis
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Reaches maturity in 2-3 years
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, possibly by water, and intentionally by people
  
• Prolific seedling production in some areas where naturalized

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite naturalization, negative impacts have yet to be documented
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively