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

Argyreia nervosa (Burm. f.) Bojer; Argyreia speciosa, elephant creeper, woolly morning glory, Hawaiian baby woodrose

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

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

y

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

y

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

n

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

y

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

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

n

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

y

8.05

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

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

1

Notes

Source

1.01

no evidence

1.02

(1)Naturalized in Australia (2)Reported from Koloa and Waimea districts of Kauai

(1)http://www.drytropics.org/ArticlesEnvWeeds3a.htm (2)http://ravenel.si.edu/botany/pacificislandbiodiversity/hawaiianflora/result2.cfm

1.03

no evidence

2.01

Distributional range:
Native:
ASIA-TROPICAL
Indian Subcontinent: India
Other: widely cultivated

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program.
Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database].
National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland.
URL: http://www.ars-grin.gov/var/apache/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl?elephant+creeper (05 July 2004)

2.02

2.03

(1)Hardiness:
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8° C (25° F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5° C (40° F) (2)Likes low elevations.

(1)http://plantsdatabase.com/go/54448/ (2)http://www.ho-tinursery.com/cultivation.html

2.04

"A native of eastern India and Bangladesh"

http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/acc_num/199500139.html

2.05

Presence in Pacific Islands: French Polynesia (Raiatea, Tahiti), Hawai'I, Tonga; Pacific rim: Australia.

http://www.hear.org/pier/species/argyreia_nervosa.htm

3.01

(1)Naturalized in Australia (2)Reported from Koloa and Waimea districts of Kauai

(1)http://www.drytropics.org/ArticlesEnvWeeds3a.htm (2)http://ravenel.si.edu/botany/pacificislandbiodiversity/hawaiianflora/result2.cfm

3.02

no evidence

3.03

no evidence

3.04

(1)"Invasive in northern Queensland." (2)NOT listed as an environmental weed of Australia [includes Queensland] (3)Current weed status: Low importance, occasional on old plain soils, stranglin/choking [vine]

(1)http://www.hear.org/pier/species/argyreia_nervosa.htm (2)Randall, R. 2001. Garden thugs, a national list of invasive and potentially invasive garden plants. Plant Protection Quarterly 16:138-171. (3)http://www.drytropics.org/ArticlesEnvWeeds3a.htm

3.05

AB: "Among the floral hosts were 2 endemic species of weeds namely; Argyreia populifolia (Convolvulaceae) and Hedyotis corymbosa (Rubiaceae)."

Inoka, W. A.; Karunaratne, P.; Edirisinghe, J. P. Editor: Tennakoon, K. U. (2002) Bee diversity and floral hosts in selected habitats of the Peradeniya University Park. Ceylon Journal of Science, Biological Sciences, 2002, Vol. 30, pp. 21-36, 11 ref.

4.01

no description of these traits

Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.66Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.66

4.02

no evidence

4.03

no evidence

4.04

not listed as a fodder plant

http://www.fao.org/docrep/T0115E/T0115E0g.htm

4.05

no evidence

4.06

Coleosporium ipomoeae is a recognized specialist (rust fungus on Convol) pest of sweet poatato

(1) Farr, D.F., Rossman, A.Y., Palm, M.E., & McCray, E.B. (n.d.) Fungal Databases, Systematic Botany & Mycology Laboratory, ARS, USDA. Retrieved July 5, 2004, from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/
(2) Hernández G., Y. A. (1985) Selection of new clones of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.). (Foreign Title: Selección de nuevos clones de batata (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.).) Revista de la Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad Central de Venezuela, 1985, No. Alcance 33, pp. 421-422

4.07

(1) The seeds of the Hawaiian baby woodrose (Argyreia nervosa) are used by adolescents as a supposed hallucinogenic drug. These seeds are legally available and broadly sold. The active components are alkaloids structurally related to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). However, the psychic effects are very different from those of LSD and are dominated by rather sedative, uncomfortable autonomic disturbances similar to the effects of scopolamine. The (psycho)pharmacological profile is described on the basis of the active substances lysergacidamide and lysergacidethylamide (and their isomers). It is shown that neither the substances themselves nor the mixture are able to evoke LSD-like perceptual variances. The exposure of Argyreia nervosa is described focusing on potential fetal distress by contained ergometrine and the case history of an intoxication. [rare intoxication caused by ingestion of the seeds]
(2) Uses In Thailand the roots are used as tonic, diuretic and aphrodisiac, and to treat allergic dermatitis,

(3) http://bodd.cf.ac.uk/index.html

4.08

evergreen vine, moist habitat

4.09

(1)Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade (2)full sun (3)Full Sun

(1)http://plantsdatabase.com/go/54448/ (2)http://www.ho-tinursery.com/cultivation.html (3)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG097

4.1

(1) "Moist, well-drained soils "
(2) Soil pH requirements: 5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic); 5.6 to 6.0 (acidic) (3)prefers rich, moist, well drained soils

(1) Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.66Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.66
(2) http://plantsdatabase.com/go/54448/ (3)http://www.shaman-australis.com/Website/subcat25.htm

4.11

"The vine is often grown on trellises or fences, with a vigrous growth that can entirely cover them"

Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.66Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.66

4.12

no evidence

5.01

"Moist, well-drained soils in sunny places are prefered."

Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.66Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.66

5.02

vine; Convolvulaceae

5.03

vine; Convolvulaceae

5.04

no description of these traits

Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.66Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.66

6.01

no evidence

6.02

"Propagate by seeds or cuttings"

Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.66Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.66

6.03

no evidence

6.04

no evidence

6.05

(1) probably not, another congeneric species (Argyreia populifolia) is pollinated by bees.
(2) The flowers attract various insects (and in species of Ipomoea, birds), which visit for the nectar secreted by the hypogynous disc (Fig. 99: j; Govil 1975). The stamens closely surround the style by forming a short column in the center of the flower (Fig. 99: g,h), and five narrow passages between the filament bases lead to the nectar. The insect may touch the protruding stigma as it enters the flower, and then it becomes dusted with pollen from the introrse anthers as it reaches for the nectar near the base. Self-pollination may occur when the flower wilts. [characteristics of the family]

(2)

6.06

no evidence

6.07

"The plant grows slowly until it develops a half-dozen leaves; after this it grows quickly. In its first year this plant grows into a small bush 1 to 2 feet tall. During this time it may be grown in a large pot and kept indoors in winter. The next spring it will grow into a very large vine and should produce flowers and seeds."

http://www.iamshaman.com/hbwr/cultivation.htm

7.01

"Roadside infestations" [However, have relatively large seeds and large fruit ]

http://www.ingenta.com/isis/searching/Expand/ingenta?pub=infobike://bsc/aec/2004/00000029/00000001/art00007
Full text URL: http://saturn.bids.ac.uk/cgi-bin/ds_deliver/1/u/d/ISIS/12090871.1/bsc/aec/2004/00000029/00000001
/art00007/BD66735543D4DDE310890743525A044C60717A986D.pdf?link=
http://www.ingenta.com/de/ingenta%3Bid=bd83q1rkdb179.crescent&format=pdf

7.02

"it is planted as an ornamental in South-East Asia and elsewhere in the tropics."

Argyreia [Internet] Record number 2421 from TEXTFILE On-line.

7.03

no evidence

7.04

(1)Pods dry to a smooth, dark brown, filbert-sized capsule containing one to four furry brown seeds. The capsule is surrounded by a dry calyx divided into five petal-like sections. (2)dry calyx remains attached to assist in wind dispersal [Convlovulaceae; but fruit is too large to travel significant distance by wind]

(1)http://www.iamshaman.com/hbwr/cultivation.htm (2)http://www.eeb.lsa.umich.edu/classes/eeb461/WindDispersal.html

7.05

(1)Pods dry to a smooth, dark brown, filbert-sized capsule containing one to four furry brown seeds. The capsule is surrounded by a dry calyx divided into five petal-like sections. (2)dry calyx remains attached to assist in wind dispersal [Convlovulaceae; but fruit is too large to travel significant distance by wind]

(1)http://www.iamshaman.com/hbwr/cultivation.htm (2)http://www.eeb.lsa.umich.edu/classes/eeb461/WindDispersal.html

7.06

(1)Pods dry to a smooth, dark brown, filbert-sized capsule containing one to four furry brown seeds. The capsule is surrounded by a dry calyx divided into five petal-like sections. (2)dry calyx remains attached to assist in wind dispersal [Convlovulaceae; but fruit is too large to travel significant distance by wind]

(1)http://www.iamshaman.com/hbwr/cultivation.htm (2)http://www.eeb.lsa.umich.edu/classes/eeb461/WindDispersal.html

7.07

no evidence; no means of external attachement

7.08

no evidence of consumption - dry capsule

8.01

(1) "Fruit a subglobose four-seeded capsule 1-1.8 cm in diameter" [few seeds per fruit]
(2) " roughly 200 seeds in 25 Grams" [relatively large seeds]

(1) Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.66
(2) http://www.b-and-t-world-seeds.com/365.htm

8.02

(1) In Argyreia nervosa, the seed coat was least affected. Sulfuric acid acted mainly on the micropylar and hilar regions. In Argyreia nervosa and U. lobata, the whitish soft tissue at the micropylar region had totally disintegrated into a blackish loose tissue which came off during washing with water, thereby opening the hilum or micropyle. At higher acid concentrations, not only was the damage to this soft tissue severe, but cracks also appeared on the testa, resulting in access of acid to the embryonic tissue, and death of the seed. [harmed by acid scarification]
(2) Cultivation: Just soak the seeds in water overnight, then keep them on a moist paper towel until the roots start to poke out. When you can see a little white root starting to push out from one end of a seed sow the seed into a water retaining but free draining growing mix - about an inch (2 cm) or slightly more below the surface with the little root pointing upwards ! Within a few days the first 2 leaves will pull themselves out of the groun

(3) http://www.iamshaman.com/hbwr/cultivation.htm (4)http://members.gardenweb.com/members/exch/ron_convolvulaceae

8.03

(1)on the list of controled weeds of a herbicide (2)on the list of weeds controlled.

http://www.uapmidwest.com/salvo.pdf (2)http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:QQZl_HLlnhgJ:
www.uapmidwest.com/salvo.pdf+Argyreia+nervosa+herbicides&hl=en

8.04

"In cold-winter areas the roots should be lifted and stored or the tub kept in a cool place until spring." [ability to regrow from root]

http://www.iamshaman.com/hbwr/cultivation.htm

8.05

no evidence