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