Erica lusitanica K. Rudolphi. Family - Ericaceae. Common Names(s) - Spanish heath. Synonym(s) - NA.

Answer

Score

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

0

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=1, n=-1

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y=-1, n=-1

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

1

2.02

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

1

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

n

0

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

n

0

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

1.5

3.02

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

n=0

y

1.5

3.03

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

n=0

y

3

3.04

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

n=0

y

3

3.05

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

n=0

y

1.5

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

y

1

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.09

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

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.10

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

y=1, n=0

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

y

1

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

0

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.04

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

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

1

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

0

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.07

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

See left

3+

0

7.01

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

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

y

1

8.02

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

y=1, n=-1

y

1

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

y

-1

8.04

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

y=1, n=-1

y

1

8.05

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

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

20.5

Notes

Source

1.01

(1)No evidence

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1)Spanish heath is native to Mediterranean Europe...Worldwide, most occur within a Mediterranean or temperate climatic regime in soils of relatively low fertility.

(1)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

2.02

(1)Naturalized in high elevation and Mediterranean climates [marginally subtropical in Hawaii]

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

2.03

(1)This species has a fairly wide geographic and climatic range, from Sydney to southern Tasmania and has been reported to be sensitive to frost. (2)zone 7-9

(1)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009] (2)McIndoe, A. 2005. Shrubs. Horticulture Publications, Boston, MA.

2.04

(1)Naturalized in high elevation and Mediterranean climates [marginally subtropical in Hawaii]

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

2.05

(1)Naturalized in the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand and Western USA.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

3.01

(1)Naturalized in the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand and Western USA. (2)On Maui, E. lusitanica, which looks similar to Leptecophylla tameiameiae (pukiawe), was found as scattered plants in Haleakala Ranch pastures below Crater Road, just above a large eucalyptus grove...Material examined: MAUI: East Maui, Wai‘ale Gulch, Haleakala Ranch, scattered plants in pasture, in association with Eucalyptus sp. and Leptecophylla tameiameiae (pukiawe), 1767 m (5800 ft), 16 Aug 2005, Starr & Starr 050816-01.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK. (2)Starr, F., K. Starr and L. L. Loope. 2008. New plant records from the Hawaiian Archipelago. Pp. 44-49 in N. L. Evenhuis and L. G. Eldredge (eds.). Records of the Hawaii Biological Survey for 2007. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 100: 1-55.

3.02

(1)Both species establish on roadsides and require expensive control to maintain sight lines. Spanish heath is also capable of invading unimproved pasture...Disturbed, open situations such as roadsides and edges of bushland provide favourable conditions for establishment and the weeds spread from there into the bush. (2)Can invade coastal woodland, grassland, heathland, forests and riparian vegetation, as well as disturbed areas, roadsides and weak pasture (Blood 2001; Muyt 2001 and Weber 2003). In California it has invaded damp heaths and wetlands (Picart 1998). (3)Spanish heath forms dense stands, inhibiting the recruitment of other plant species, especially in disturbed areas, fernlands, tussock grasslands, roadsides and forestry sites. It produces many well-dispersed seeds.

(1)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009] (2)http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/vrosite.nsf/pages/weeds_shrubs_spanish_heath [Accessed 24 Feb 2009] (3)http://www.ccc.govt.nz/Parks/TheEnvironment/WeedGuide/PDF/Dec2003.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

3.03

(1)Both species establish on roadsides and require expensive control to maintain sight lines. Spanish heath is also capable of invading unimproved pasture...Pastures: when controlling Spanish heath in non-native pastures, ensure management options limit the risk of soil erosion. (2)Spanish heath forms dense stands, inhibiting the recruitment of other plant species, especially in disturbed areas, fernlands, tussock grasslands, roadsides and forestry sites. It produces many well-dispersed seeds.

(1)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009] (2)http://www.ccc.govt.nz/Parks/TheEnvironment/WeedGuide/PDF/Dec2003.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

3.04

(1)The shrub may completely dominate the shrub canopy, thereby eliminating all native vegetation and preventing the regeneration of native plants." [weed of natural areas in Australia and New Zealand] (2)Although it is only a declared weed in Tasmania, Spanish heath still rated for consideration in the recent Weeds of National Significance assessment. In 2005 tree heath in Tasmania and Spanish heath in Victoria were nominated amongst the 10 most serious weedy garden plants currently for sale. They form dense populations in bushland, dominate the understorey, and have the potential to alter the composition and diversity of native plant communities.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK. (2)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

3.05

(1)Erica arborea L. is a weed of natural areas in Australia, where its "dense growth habit leads to extensive thickets that crowd out native vegetation." (2)Fourteen species of Erica are listed in A global compendium of weeds (Randall 2007), because they have been recorded as naturalised or weedy somewhere in the world and three of these species were only cited as weedy in Australia.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK. (2)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

4.01

(1)No evidence

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

4.02

(1)No evidence

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

4.03

(1)No evidence

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

4.04

(1)Apart from seedlings, the foliage is not palatable to stock.

(1)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

4.05

(1)No evidence

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

4.06

Unknown

4.07

(1)No evidence

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

4.08

(1)The shrub may completely dominate the shrub canopy, thereby eliminating all native vegetation and preventing the regeneration of native plants. [dense thickets and tolerance to fire will likely increase fire risk in invaded natural ecosystems] (2)They form dense populations in bushland, dominate the understorey, and have the potential to alter the composition and diversity of native plant communities.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK. (2)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

4.09

(1)Seedlings are able to withstand considerable shade and repeated simulated grazing (L. Mather, unpublished data) so that only heavy grazing will control heath.

(1)Mather, L. J. and P. A. Williams. 1990. Phenology, seed ecology, and age structure of Spanish heath (Erica lusitanica) in Canterbury, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany Vol. 28: 207-215.

4.10

(1)they are hardy, fast growing, long lived and will grow in infertile native soils...Correspondingly, most of the cultivated ericas prefer acid to neutral soils although some will tolerate a wider range of soil pH. [not particulary wide range in soils where it is found naturally]

(1)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

4.11

(1)An erect and heathy shrub of 1-3 m height.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

4.12

(1)The shrub may completely dominate the shrub canopy, thereby eliminating all native vegetation and preventing the regeneration of native plants...The shrub vigorously resprouts after damage such as fire. Seedling establishment is often enhanced after fires. (2)They form dense populations in bushland, dominate the understorey, and have the potential to alter the composition and diversity of native plant communities...Burning is likely to favour these weeds due to their rapid regrowth so it is not recommended as a means of control.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK. (2)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

5.01

(1)Terrestrial

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

5.02

(1)Ericaceae

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

5.03

(1)No evidence

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

5.04

(1)An erect and heathy shrub of 1-3 m height.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

6.01

(1)No evidence

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

6.02

(1)Seed production is prolific, and seeds are dispersed by wind and water.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

6.03

(1)Erica X veitchii Bean, an hybrid between Erica arborea and Erica lusitanica obtained by R. Veitch & Sounds, Exeter about 1905, with abundant flowering of white flowers in April - May. This hybrid is frost susceptible. [unknown if natural hybridization occurs] (2)Erica x veitchii (zone 7-9) is a hybrid between Erica arborea and Erica lusitanica.

(1)http://www.speedylook.com/Heather.html [Accessed 24 Feb 2009] (2)McIndoe, A. 2005. Shrubs. Horticulture Publications, Boston, MA.

6.04

(1)From a biological point of view, inbreeding depression in the self-compatible and mostly selfing E. andevalensis if there is any, does not seem to be related to germination capability of the seeds. [related species self-compatible, but unknown for E. lusitanica]

(1)Aparicio, A. 1995. Seed germination of Erica andevalensis Cabezudo and Rivera (Ericaceae), an endangered edaphic endemic in southwestern Spain. Seed science and technology 23(3): 705-713.

6.05

(1)The winter of 2006 was mild, and early 2007 was very suitable for honey bees in this area, there being good availability of nectar and pollen, especially the latter, with the presence of heather, Erica lusitanica. (2)Various insects are attracted to the conspicuous white or brightly colored corollas, as well as to the scent and concealed nectar. [family description] (3)short-distance dispersal is common among non-sclerophyllous, insect-pollinated, dry-fruited, seeder species, typical of pioneer woody Mediterranean communities (e.g. Cistus, Halimium, Thymus, Lavandula, Erica, Calluna)

(1)Pajuelo, A.G., C. Torres, and F.J. O. Bermejo. Colony losses: a double blind trial on the influence of supplementary protein nutrition and preventative treatment with fumagillin against Nosema ceranae. Journal of Apicultural Research and Bee World 47(1): 84–86. (2)Zomlefer, W. B. 1994. Guide to Flowering Plant Families. The University of North Carolina Press. Chapel Hill, NC. (3)Aparicio, A., R. G. Albaladejo, M. A. Olalla-Tarraga, L. F. Carrillo, M. A. Rodriguez. 2008. Dispersal potentials determine responses of woody plant species richness to environmental factors in fragmented Mediterranean landscapes. Forest Ecology and Management 255: 2894–2906.

6.06

(1)Roots readily sucker and spread

(1)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/education_training/wdygg/WDYGG/02_Resources/
07_Grow_me_instead_resources/gmi_brochure_act_finalv3.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

6.07

(1)When isolated plants are 3-4 years old they begin flowering and producing vast numbers of seeds.

(1)Mather, L. J. and P. A. Williams. 1990. Phenology, seed ecology, and age structure of Spanish heath (Erica lusitanica) in Canterbury, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany Vol. 28: 207-215.

7.01

(1)Erica seeds are small and generally borne in dry capsules. The millions of tiny seeds that Spanish heath plants produce are dispersed short distances by gravity, water, wind, vehicle draught and slashing or soil movement. Long distance dispersal is generally a result of human activity—planting in gardens, commercial cultivation, or inadvertent transport of soil containing seeds to new locations.

(1)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

7.02

(1)Shrubs in the genus Erica (heaths, heathers or ericas) originate from Europe and Africa and are widely grown in gardens and for the cut-flower industry.

(1)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

7.03

(1)Shrubs in the genus Erica (heaths, heathers or ericas) originate from Europe and Africa and are widely grown in gardens and for the cut-flower industry. [cut flowers could contaminate floral arrangements with tiny seeds]

(1)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

7.04

(1)Seed production is prolific, and seeds are dispersed by wind and water.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

7.05

(1)Seed production is prolific, and seeds are dispersed by wind and water.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

7.06

(1)Fruits are capsules of c. 3 mm length, glabrous, broad-ellipsoid...Seed production is prolific, and seeds are dispersed by wind and water. [not fleshy fruited]

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

7.07

(1)Erica seeds are small and generally borne in dry capsules. The millions of tiny seeds that Spanish heath plants produce are dispersed short distances by gravity, water, wind, vehicle draught and slashing or soil movement. Long distance dispersal is generally a result of human activity—planting in gardens, commercial cultivation, or inadvertent transport of soil containing seeds to new locations. [no evidence of animal dispersal, and no means of external attachment, although small seeds could possibly stick to mud on hooves or be dispersed in wool or hair]

(1)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

7.08

no evidence of gut passage

8.01

(1)Seed production is prolific, and seeds are dispersed by wind and water. (2)A mature bush can produce millions of tiny seeds each year and many of these persist in the soil seedbank for 4 years or more.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK. (2)http://www.weedscrc.org.au/documents/wmg_spanish%20heath.pdf [Accessed 24 Feb 2009]

8.02

(1)Seed production is prolific, and seeds are dispersed by wind and water. They accumulate in a soil seed bank.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

8.03

(1)Seedling and small plants are easy to hand pull, roots must be removed to prevent regrowth. If cut, the stumps should be treated with herbicide. (2)Chemical control Herbicide can be highly effective, providing it is carefully chosen and selectively applied to minimise regrowth, off-target damage and disturbance. The main herbicide treatments for ericas are cut-stump and frill, stem injection and foliar spray. All of these methods are most effective if the plants are actively growing at the time of application and must be followed up.Foliar spray For spraying to be effective, all erica foliage must be wetted and the plants. In native vegetation, careful spot spraying using hand-held equipment (knapsack or handgun and hose) is required to avoid off-target damage. In this situation, foliar spraying is generally limited to small plants and regrowth under conditions when spray drift will not occur. Where possible, native plants should be shielded. equipment suited to the size of the Cut-stump application Suitable for all basal stem sizes Cut all stems horizontally with secateurs, bush saw, brush cutter or a chainsaw as close as possible to ground level and frill the stump by peeling the bark away to increase the area through which herbicide can be absorbed. Paint the herbicide on the cut and exposed surfaces immediately (within 10 seconds), using a hand-held spray bottle or a brush. Use a dye in the mixture to show that stems have been treated. Stem injection For basal stem diameter larger than 5 cm This method has the advantage that it does not create gaps in vegetation that encourage weed growth. Drill holes at approximately 5 cm intervals around the stem, angled downwards and sideways. Holes need only be as deep as the living wood just under the bark. Inject immediately with herbicide using a squirt bottle or plastic syringe.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

8.04

(1)The shrub vigorously resprouts after damage such as fire. Seedling establishment is often enhanced after fires. (2)Plants have a well-developed woody crown or lignotuber at the base, from which new stems will grow if the top is damaged by fire or slashing.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive Plants of the World: A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Oxford, UK.

8.05

Unknown