Family: Asteraceae

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability and elevation range, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in South America (but no evidence in Hawaiian Islands to date)
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Possesses tuberous roots (a geophyte)
  
• Reaches maturity in <1 year (but seed set is limited or absent)
  
• Dispersed intentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or negative impacts outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Cultivated for its edible roots
  
• Limited or absent seed set
  
• Lack of seed production reduces risk of accidental dispersal