Research directed by C. Daehler (UH Botany) with funding from the Kaulunani Urban Forestry Program and US Forest Service

Information on Risk Assessments
Original risk assessment

Acalypha wilkesiana (Acalypha amentacea subsp. Wilkesiana ); Copperleaf, Beefsteak plant

Answer

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=-1, n=-1

y

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y=-1, n=-1

n

2.01

Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical”

See Append 2

2

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

2

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

n

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

y

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range? y=-2

?=-1, n=0

y

3.01

Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05

y

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

n

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

n

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

n

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

y

4.1

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

n

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

n

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

n

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

n

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

n

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

n

6.07

Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1

See left

2

7.01

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas)

y=1, n=-1

n

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

n

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

n

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

n

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

n

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

n

8.02

Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr)

y=1, n=-1

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

y

8.04

Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire

y=1, n=-1

8.05

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

-2

Source

Notes

1.01

no evidence

1.02

Holm, L.; J.V. Puncho; J.P. Herberger & D.L. Plucknett (1979) A Geographical Atlas of World Weeds. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

listed as "X" in Dominican Republic and Jamaica (For present as a weed (the species is present and behave as a weed, but its rank of importance is unknown))

1.03

no evidence

2.01

(1) USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/var/apache/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?1050 (19 January 2002)
(2)Michigan State University Extension (1996) Home Horticulture database <http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod03/01700009.html> 3)http://www.floridata.com/ref/A/acal_wil.cfm

(1) "Distributional range: widely cult., possible origin Oceania "
(2)Best growth occurs at temperatures from 60 degrees to 85 degrees, with night temperatures in the lower end of the range. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 55
degrees. 3)Copperleaf is native to Fiji and nearby islands in the South Pacific

2.02

2.03

Michigan State University Extension (1996)
Home Horticulture database <http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod03/01700009.html> 2)http://www.floridata.com/ref/A/acal_wil.cfm

Best growth occurs at temperatures from 60 degrees to 85 degrees, with night temperatures in the lower end of the range. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 55 degrees. 2)USDA Zones 10 - 11

2.04

(1) USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/var/apache/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?1050 (19 January 2002)
(2)Michigan State University Extension (1996) Home Horticulture database <http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod03/01700009.html>

(1) "Distributional range: widely cult., possible origin Oceania "
(2)Best growth occurs at temperatures from 60 degrees to 85 degrees, with night temperatures in the lower end of the range. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 55 degrees.

2.05

(1) USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/var/apache/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?1050 (19 January 2002)

(1) "Distributional range: widely cult., possible origin Oceania "

3.01

1)Forster, P. I.(1994) A taxonomic revision of Acalypha L. (Euphorbiaceae) in Australia. Austrobaileya, 1994, Vol.4, No.2, pp.209-226, 18 ref. 2)http://www.floridata.com/ref/A/acal_wil.cfm

1) "2 naturalized species (A. australis and A. wilkesiana ) are present in Australia. " 2)It has escaped from cultivation and become established in disturbed sites in a few scattered localities in central Florida

3.02

no evidence

3.03

no evidence

3.04

no evidence

3.05

Holm, L.; J.V. Puncho; J.P. Herberger & D.L. Plucknett (1980) A Geographical Atlas of World Weeds. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

A. segetalis was listed as a serious weed in Mozambique. A. alopeculoides in Dominican Republic, A. australis in japan, A. ciliata in Gahna, A. fallax in Malaysia, and A. indica in Sudan were listed as principal weeds.

4.01

no

4.02

no evidence

4.03

no evidence

4.04

no evidence

4.05

no evidence

4.06

(1) Chien ChingChin; Chou LiangYih; Chang ShuChen (2000) Introduction, propagation, and liberation of two parasitoids for the control of spiraling whitefly (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in Taiwan. Chinese Journal of Entomology, 2000, Vol.20, No.3, pp.163-178, 26 ref.

HOST TO GENERALIST HERBIVORE: (1) AB: "The spiralling whitefly (SWF) (Aleurodicus dispersus Russell), a polyphagous insect pest, was first discovered in southern Taiwan in 1988. A total of 539 adults of Encarsia ?haitiensis Dozier and 40 adults of E. guadeloupae Viggiani was introduced from Hawaii to Taiwan on 10 December 1995. After being screened for three generations in a quarantine room at TARI, these parasitoids were field released in central, southern, and eastern Taiwan. Overall, a total of 57 032 adults of E. ?haitiensis and 66 929 adults of E. guadeloupae , respectively, were released from April to December 1996 and again from March 1997 to February 1998. These parasitoids were recovered after about 12-24 days (after 3 months at Wufeng) following the first release in 1996. However, field surveys conducted in 1998 and 1999 revealed that only E. guadeloupae had become established. Although the population density of E. guadeloupae reached 0.21 to 0.77 pupae per leaf on Psidium guajava L., the 4th instar

4.07

(1) Souder P (1963) Poisonous plants on Guam. In: Keegan HL and Macfarlane WV (Eds) Venomous and Poisonous Animals and Noxious Plants of the Pacific Region. pp. 15-29. New York: Pergamon Press. (2) Dr. Ann I. King [University of California Cooperative Extension 625 Miramontes, Suite 200, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
e-mail: aiking@ucdavis.edu] toxic plants <http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/Tox-SCI.htm>

Widely cultivated without frequent reports of problem, but (1) Souder (1963) lists this species among spurges that cause an acute dermatitis on contact with their sap or latex. (2) listed copperleaf (Acalypha spp.) as toxic plants category 2(Minor Toxicity: Ingestion of these plants may cause minor illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhea. If ingested, call the Poison Control Center or your doctor. ) and 4 (Dermatitis: The juice, sap, or thorns of these plants may cause a skin rash or irritation. Wash the affected area of skin with soap and water as soon as possible after contact. The rashes may be very serious and painful. Call the Poison Control Center or your doctor if symptoms appear following contact with the plants.)

4.08

no evidence

4.09

Michigan State University Extension (1996)
Home Horticulture database <http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod03/01700009.html> 2)http://www.floridata.com/ref/A/acal_wil.cfm

"Copper leaf grows well in low to medium light but the foliage color is better in brighter light. " 2)Copperleaf does fine in partial shade or sun

4.1

Texas Tech University, Plant and Soil Science Department, [TechHort, PO BOX 42122, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409-2122] (1999). Principales of Horticulture PSS 1411 homepage <http://www.pssc.ttu.edu/pss1411cd/PLANTID/copper/copper.htm> 2)http://www.floridata.com/ref/A/acal_wil.cfm

"Fertile, moist, well drained soil " 2)rich, moist, but fast-draining soil

4.11

erect shrub

4.12

no evidence

5.01

terrestrial shrub

5.02

shrub

5.03

no evidence

5.04

shrub

6.01

no evidence

6.02

Texas Tech University, Plant and Soil Science Department, [TechHort, PO BOX 42122, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409-2122] (1999). Principales of Horticulture PSS 1411 homepage <http://www.pssc.ttu.edu/pss1411cd/PLANTID/copper/copper.htm>

"Propagation: Seed & Cuttings "

6.03

no evidence

6.04

no evidence

6.05

Hurtado, I.; Alson, J. (1990) Air pollen dispersal in a tropical area. Aerobiologia, 1990, Vol.6, No.2, pp.122-127, 7 ref.

Acalypha spp. have catkin-like inflorescence, probabaly wind pollinated. "Airborne pollen was sampled daily for 2 consecutive years (1987-88) at a site in Caracas. Of the 65 taxa (34 families and 56 genera) which were identified, including 31 weed taxa, pollen from Cupressus lusitanica (introduced) and from Cecropia palmatisecta (indigenous) were dominant; they and the Gramineae contributed >50% of all pollen. Less numerous but also abundant (daily av. of more than or equal to 5 grains/m3 air) were pollen from the Urticaceae, Acalypha spp., Pinus radiata, Piperaceae and Mimosa spp. Daily pollen counts were highest in Apr.-May and Nov.-Dec.; the earlier peak was comprised of pollen of mainly indigenous species, compared to the mainly introduced species in the 2nd peak. "

6.06

no evidence

6.07

R. Criley, UH Department of Horticulture, Personal communication

7.01

no evidence

7.02

oramental

7.03

no evidence

7.04

no evidence

7.05

no evidence

7.06

no evidence

7.07

no evidence

7.08

no evidence

8.01

Wagner et al. Flora of the Hawaiian Islands.

Fruit is 2-3 celled (Euphorbiaceae)

8.02

no evidence

8.03

(1) Neel, P. L.; Burt, E. O.; Carlyle, S. L. (1979) Tolerance of 5 warm-season turfgrasses and 36 ornamental plant species to asulam. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 1979, Vol.104, No.1, pp.129-132, 4 ref.
(2) Neel, P. L. (1976) Comparisons of phytotoxicity between soil-applied dicamba and two rates of an experimental dicamba analogue on twenty-three containerized species of environmental plants. Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society, 1976, Vol.89, pp.341-343, 3 ref.

(1) "Asulam was effective for the selective control of several grassy weeds in established St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), Tifway Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), and Emerald zoysiagrass (Zoysia matrella). Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) and centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) were severely injured when asulam was used at 2.24 kg a.i./ha. Thirty-six species of ornamental plants were relatively tolerant to foliage applications of asulam at 2.24 and 4.48 kg a.i./ha, with growth normal on all but 4 spp. (Ficus benjamina, Nephrolepis exaltata, Schinus terebinthifolius and Acalypha wilkesiana) 22 weeks after treatment. Details on visual rating, phytotoxicity symptoms and overall sensitivity are tabulated." (2) "Acalypha wilkesiana, Asparagus densiflorus cv. Sprengeri, Brassaia [Schefflera] actinophylla, Carissa grandiflora, Coccoloba uvifera, Ficus benjamina, Ixora coccinea, Jasminum volubile, Ligustrum japonicum, Murraya paniculata and Viburnum suspensum were especially sensitive to the analogu

8.04

no evidence, tolerate moderate but not heavy pruning, recovers slowly (CCD, personal observation)

8.05

Heavily attacked by Chinese rose beetle (CCD, personal observation)