Family: Malvaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives and spreads in regions with tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai. Maui and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands) and elsewhere in the tropics
  
• A common weed of pastures, reported to compete with desirable forage plants and to reduce grazing capacity
  
• Prevalence in pastures suggests that plants may be unpalatable relative to other pasture plants
  
• Host of crop pests and pathogens
  
• Tolerates shade
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed autochorously (by dehiscent capsules), along heavily trafficked corridors, and as a seed contaminant
  
• Gaps in biological and ecological information may reduce accuracy of risk prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control