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

Dianella caerulea Sims.; blue flax-lily, cerulean flaxlily, paroo lily

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

y

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

n

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

3.04

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

n=0

3.05

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

n=0

n

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

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

y

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

n

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

y

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

y

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

y

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

y

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

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

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:

5

Source

Notes

1.01

no evidence

1.02

In Florida, this plant is primarily known from Highlands County and more specifically, Highlands Hammocks, where it has escaped cultivation and invaded natural areas.

http://www.archbold-station.org/abs/landmanage/ExoticsGrant03/ExoticsMain/nusciance%20plants.htm

1.03

no evidence

2.01

Distributional range:
AUSTRALASIA: Australia: Australia - New South Wales, Queensland

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program.
Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN)
.National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland.
URL: http://www.ars-grin.gov2/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?13800

2.02

2.03

(1)This species is not very cold-tolerant, but it can survive in sheltered stable environments in dappled shade, such as a woodland, if temperatures do not drop far below zero for long period (2)Habitat; Forests, Heaths, (3)Habitat: Widespread, except in very infertile

(1)http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND (2)http://organicmatters.com.au/dianella-caerula.htm (3)http://www.gordonsbay.org.au/gordonsbay/plant.php?plant_id=28

2.04

Distributional range:
AUSTRALASIA: Australia: Australia - New South Wales, Queensland

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program.
Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN)
.National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland.
URL: http://www.ars-grin.gov2/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?13800

2.05

(1) Florida (2)United Kingdom

(1) SDA, NRCS. 2004. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA. (2)www.beechesnursery.co.uk/Herbaceous/herbd.htm

3.01

In Florida, this plant is primarily known from Highlands County and more specifically, Highlands Hammocks, where it has escaped cultivation and invaded natural areas.

http://www.archbold-station.org/abs/landmanage/ExoticsGrant03/ExoticsMain/nusciance%20plants.htm

3.02

no evidence

3.03

(1)Peter had to deal with a new invader, dianella lily (Dianella caerulea, also known as flax lily), a native of ... Australia! His prescription was treatment with a foliar application of 4% Roundup with 1 oz. Foambuster/gallon herbicide, and 1 quart Promaster dye/gallon herbicide.(2)subjected to removal from natural area [single localized population in Florida]

(1)http://www.weeds.crc.org.au/main/enviroweeds_archives_discuss.html (2)http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cache:aR-wwSFsF-YJ:www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/bncr/forms/2003-04ResourceManagementAnnualReport.pdf+Dianella+caerulea+invasive&hl=en

3.04

(1)Peter had to deal with a new invader, dianella lily (Dianella caerulea, also known as flax lily), a native of ... Australia! His prescription was treatment with a foliar application of 4% Roundup with 1 oz. Foambuster/gallon herbicide, and 1 quart Promaster dye/gallon herbicide.(2)subjected to removal from natural area [single localized population in Florida]

(1)http://www.weeds.crc.org.au/main/enviroweeds_archives_discuss.html (2)http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cache:aR-wwSFsF-YJ:www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/bncr/forms/2003-04ResourceManagementAnnualReport.pdf+Dianella+caerulea+invasive&hl=en

3.05

no evidence

4.01

no decription of these traits

http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND

4.02

no evidence

4.03

no evidence

4.04

no evidence

4.05

Dianella caerulea Sims (in the taxonomically broad sense) has a number of botanical subspecies and varieties (Henderson 1997; www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/apni). It was included late in the study because of comments received that some Dianella fruits "contained naphthalene" and were to be avoided because neurological effects such as dizziness and walking in circles had been reported at various times (e.g.Webb 1948). Several species of Dianella have also been suspected of poisoning livestock and/or humans, both in Australia and overseas (e.g. Hurst 1942).

http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/NPP/01-28.pdf

4.06

no evidence

4.07

Blue Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea) The blue fruits of the Dianella were eaten raw by the Cadigal. They have a sweet flavour, which becomes nutty once the seeds are chewed.

http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/information_about_plants/botanical_info/aboriginal_bush_foods

4.08

evergreen perennial

http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND

4.09

(1)It cannot grow in the shade. (2)Plant Habitat : Semi-Shade (3)occurs only in closed forest [native habitat]

(1)http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND (2)https://www.safeshop.co.nz/vshop/theplantzone/index.php?cat_disp=Mixed%20Planting&page=3 (3)http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cache:Lpy9eqCYTiQJ:www.deh.gov.au/ssd/publications/ssr/pubs/ssr169-print-quality.pdf+Dianella+caerulea+invasive&hl=en

4.1

(1)The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid and neutral soils.(2)Tolerates poor soils.

(1)http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND (2)https://www.safeshop.co.nz/vshop/theplantzone/index.php?cat_disp=Mixed%20Planting&page=3

4.11

An evergreen perennial growing to 0.75m by 0.3m

http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND

4.12

An evergreen perennial growing to 0.75m by 0.3m

http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND

5.01

Habitat: Sandy soils near creeks on heaths and in sparse woodlands

http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND

5.02

Liliaceae (Phormiaceae)

5.03

no evidence

5.04

evrgreen perennial

http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND

6.01

no evidence

6.02

Seed - pre-soak for 24 hours in luke-warm water and then sow in spring in gentle heat in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 25°c

http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND

6.03

no evidence

6.04

Only 20% of all flowers on an inflorescence set fruit, suggesting that they do not self-pollinate.

The floral ecology of Dianella caerulea var. assera (Phormiaceae). By: Bernhardt, P.; Cunninghamia 4 (1), 1995, p.9-20

6.05

Abstract: In 2 populations of this plant in eastern Australia, only 20% of the flowers in inflorescences set fruit. The flowers, which are nectarless, were buzz-pollinated by female bees, mainly Exoneura spp. (Anthophoridae) and Lasioglossum and Nomia spp. (Halictidae). Bees less than 6 mm long removed pollen without contacting the stigma. [only bees larger than 6 mm long]

The floral ecology of Dianella caerulea var. assera (Phormiaceae). By: Bernhardt, P.; Cunninghamia 4 (1), 1995, p.9-20

6.06

(1)Division as the plants come into growth in the spring (2)[plants form loose, large clumps with new shoot arising from undergrond ramets] (3)forming spreading patches

(1)http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND (2)http://botany.cs.tamu.edu/FLORA/schoepke/dia_ca_1.jpg (3)http://www.abulk.com.au/buy/index.html?target=Ornamental_Native_GrassesDianella_caerulea.html

6.07

When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first two years. When large enough, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. [must be at least 2 years before flowering]

http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND

7.01

no evidence

7.02

grown as an ornamental

7.03

no evidence

7.04

flshy fruit

http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND

7.05

no evidence

7.06

Cobalt blue sweet fruit for birds

http://www.australianplants.org/fsnfourt.htm

7.07

no evidence

7.08

bird-dispersed [small fleshy fruit]

http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND

8.01

The fruit is up to 1.5cm in diameter

http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND

8.02

(1)Seed - pre-soak for 24 hours in luke-warm water and then sow in spring in gentle heat in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 25°c [might be some dormmancy] (2) Propagation; Fresh ripe seed

(1)http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Dianella+caerulea&CAN=COMIND (2)http://organicmatters.com.au/dianella-caerula.htm

8.03

Peter had to deal with a new invader, dianella lily (Dianella caerulea, also known as flax lily), a native of ... Australia! His prescription was treatment with a foliar application of 4% Roundup with 1 oz. Foambuster/gallon herbicide, and 1 quart Promaster dye/gallon herbicide. This was a couple years back, so I don't know the current status of this plant on the park. It was one tough bugger, though.

http://www.weeds.crc.org.au/main/enviroweeds_archives_discuss_tools.html

8.04

Disturbance: Resprouts,

http://www.gordonsbay.org.au/gordonsbay/plant.php?plant_id=28

8.05

no evidence