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)