Family: Myrtaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Widespread naturalization and repeated introductions outside native range
  
• Naturalized on Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lāna'i, Maui, and Hawai'i
  
• Forms dense, monospecific thickets that shade out native vegetation
  
• Recognized as an environmental, agricultural, and forestry weed
  
• Congeneric species (S. cumini) is invasive
  
• Highly adaptable: shade tolerant and grows across a wide range of soil types and elevations
  
• Reproduces both by viable seeds (self-compatible) and vegetative fragmentation
  
• Multiple dispersal pathways: water, birds, intentional human planting, and accidental transport
  
• Propagules survive passage through animal guts
  
• Resprouts vigorously after damage or pruning
  
• Exhibits allelopathic properties
  
• Host for the rust pathogen Austropuccinia psidii

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No evidence of toxicity to humans or animals; palatable to grazers
  
• Not wind-dispersed and not a contaminant of produce
  
• Not highly prolific seed producer
  
• Responds well to herbicide control