Family: Solanaceae
High Risk Traits:
- Broad distribution and elevation range
- Thrives, and able to spread, in regions with tropical climates
- Naturalized in South Australia and New South Wales, parts of Africa and islands of the Indian Ocean, and potentially elsewhere (but not in the Hawaiian Islands to date)
- A weed of disturbed areas, cultivated lands and overgrazed pasture, which may negatively impact agricultural crops
- Unpalatable to grazing animals
- Potentially toxic to humans and animals if eaten
- Reproduces by bird, and wind-dispersed seeds
- Self-compatible
- Reaches maturity in in its first year from seed
- In addition to birds, and wind, seeds may be dispersed by water and intentionally cultivated by people
- Prolific seed production
Low Risk Traits:
- Despite naturalization and reports of weediness, also intentionally cultivated as a medicinal plant
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Grows in full sun to part shade (dense shade may inhibit spread)
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
- Short-lived seeds lose viability in about 12 months (should not form a persistent seed bank)