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

Ficus pumila L. (creeping fig, climbing fig)

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

n

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

y

3.01

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

n

3.02

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

n=0

y

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

y

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

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

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

n

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

7.01

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

y=1, n=-1

y

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

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:

2

Notes

Source

1.01

no evidence

1.02

(1)Invasiveness: There have been no accounts of pollinator wasps being introduced to places where F. pumila is cultivated and spread has been only by vegetative means. However, the vine is a vigorous grower and can vegetatively spread into unwanted areas. In New Zealand, this species is recognized as a potential problem (Ewen 1996). It does not yet set seed there, but it is recognized that if the wasp were to arrive there, seed set would be possible. According to Haley (1997) and the Department of Conservation in New Zealand, "F. pumila spreads fairly slowly but creates a dense, smothering mass as it develops. It covers almost everything in its path, very greatly modifying the habitat if it is left to develop." It is also listed as a weed by the Western Australia global compendium of weeds (Randall 2002). In Florida, it has been known to grow out of control and can even push up roof tiles (Flora of Rice University Campus 2001). In Hawai'i, in some areas of lowland moist sites, it has been observed growing bey

(1)http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm (2)Webb, Sykes and Garnock-Jones. 1988. Flora of New Zealand Volume IV. Botany Division, DISR, Christchurch

1.03

no evidence

2.01

List of countries with natural populations
Asia
[China] Taiwan
[Japan] Honshu, Kyushu, Ryukyu Archipelago, Shikoku
Vietnam

CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

2.02

2.03

Hardiness Range 7B to 11

Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7.

2.04

List of countries with natural populations
Asia
[China] Taiwan
[Japan] Honshu, Kyushu, Ryukyu Archipelago, Shikoku
Vietnam

CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

2.05

Global distribution: F. pumila is cultivated in various parts of the world including New Zealand, Central and South America, and in Florida, Hawai'i, Texas, and California. The following locations are listed by the Missouri Botanical Garden specimen database (2002): California, 20-110 m (66-361 ft), 32.40N-37.36N, 117.10W-121.53W; Costa Rica, 2-10 m (7-33 ft), 3.38N-8.39N, 83.10.42W-83.11W; Guatemala, 10 m (33 ft), 15.30N, 89.00W; Honduras, 800 m (2,625 ft), 14.15N, 87.10W; Nicaragua, 80-900 m (262-2,953 ft), 11.58N-12.25N, 85.18W-86.53W; Bolivia, 420-1,900 m (1,378-6,234 ft); and Vietnam, 303-1,400 m (994-4,593 ft), 21.44N, 106.22.54E.

http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm

3.01

(1)Invasiveness: There have been no accounts of pollinator wasps being introduced to places where F. pumila is cultivated and spread has been only by vegetative means. However, the vine is a vigorous grower and can vegetatively spread into unwanted areas. In New Zealand, this species is recognized as a potential problem (Ewen 1996). It does not yet set seed there, but it is recognized that if the wasp were to arrive there, seed set would be possible. According to Haley (1997) and the Department of Conservation in New Zealand, "F. pumila spreads fairly slowly but creates a dense, smothering mass as it develops. It covers almost everything in its path, very greatly modifying the habitat if it is left to develop." It is also listed as a weed by the Western Australia global compendium of weeds (Randall 2002). In Florida, it has been known to grow out of control and can even push up roof tiles (Flora of Rice University Campus 2001). In Hawai'i, in some areas of lowland moist sites, it has been observed growing bey

(1)http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm (2)Webb, Sykes and Garnock-Jones. 1988. Flora of New Zealand Volume IV. Botany Division, DISR, Christchurch

3.02

(1)" In Florida, it has been known to grow out of control and can even push up roof tiles (Flora of Rice University Campus 2001). [plants were deliberately planted] (2)I have been trying to kill this plant for years due to the damage it has done to the brick and wood on my house.; It is a fast grower and has taken over a nice shade tree, which it is choking out. I have tried to cut the stems near their base with a saw, but that had no effect on the rest of the vine high up in the tree. I may have to have the entire tree cut down as it appears to be weakening.; I'm sorry I let it grow from one side wall of my house, across the back wall and to the other side. it turns woody and goes through the crevices in any wall. It exudes a sticky sap which likes to muck up my pruning shears.; I have tried to kill this plant for at least 12 years due to the damage it does to the brick and wood on my house. (San Antonio, Tx.)

http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm

3.03

no evidence

3.04

(1) IMPACT TO BIOTA AND ECOSYSTEMS: Vicinity of old or abandoned gardens. Spreads fairly slowly but creates a dense, smothering mass as it develops. Covers almost everything in its path, very greatly modifying the habitat if it is left to develop. (2)Weeds Recognized as Potential Problems in New Zealand (as of 1996) [implies not a documented problem in natural areas of New Zealand] (3)Listed as a weed of unknown importance in New South Wales [Australia] (4)Listed as a common weed of Australia (5) In Hawai'i, in some areas of lowland moist sites, it has been observed growing beyond the garden into adjacent disturbed scrub forest. [plant does not appear to meet definition of naturalized -- spread is local from planted specimens and is limited to near old garden sites] (6)Not seen as a problem yet (Ewen Cameron 1996 [New Zealand]

(1)http://www.boprc.govt.nz/weeds/weed49.asp (2)http://www.hear.org/weedlists/other_areas/nz/nzecoweeds.htm (3)Randall, R. 2001. Garden thugs, a national list of invasive and potentially invasive garden plants. Plant Protection Quarterly 16:138-171. (4)Holm et al Geographic Atlas of World Weeds. (5)http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm (6)Owen, S.J. 1997. Ecological weeds on conservation land in New Zealand: a database. Department of Conservation, Wellington.

3.05

(1) F. rubiginosa are prohibited from propagation, sale and distribution in New Zealand.
(2) F. microcarpa was listed in Category I—(Species that are invading and disrupting native plant communities in Florida. This definition does not rely on the economic severity or geographic range of the problem, but on the documented ecological damage caused. ) F. altissma was listed in Category II—Species that have shown a potential to disrupt native plant communities. These species may become ranked as Category I, but have not yet demonstrated disruption of natural Florida communities.

(2) Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. FLEPPC 1999 List of Florida's Most Invasive Species. Internet: http://www.fau.edu/envsci/99list.htm

4.01

no description of these traits

http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm

4.02

no evidence

4.03

no evidence

4.04

This plant is resistant to deer

http://plantsdatabase.com/go/2029/index.html

4.05

safe for pet birds [no reports of poisonings in animals]

http://www.animaladventurepets.com/Safe%20Plants.htm

4.06

Cercospora fici is a recognized specialist pathogenic fungus causing leaf spot on fig (Ficus carica)

(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 7, 2004, from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ (2) http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/pathology/pathcirc/Ppcirc394.pdf

4.07

(1)"According to Maiden (1920) the sap of this plant can cause intense irritation of the eye." (2)Dermatitis: Exposure to juice or sap from these plants or a puncture wound from the thorns may produce a skin rash or irritation. Skin wounds from some of these plants can be extremely painful causing large blisters and burning of the skin.(3)dermatitis

(1)http://bodd.cf.ac.uk/index.html (2)http://wellness.ucdavis.edu/safety_info/poison_prevention/take_care_with_plants/toxicity_of_plants.html (3) English, P. B.; Grey, L. P.1943 . "Sap dermatitis and conjunctivitis caused by the wild fig (Ficus tumila)." Med J Austral, 1: 578-579

4.08

evergreen

http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm

4.09

(1)Exposure Full shade to full sun; Growing in almost any light conditions (2)I have been growing Creeping Fig for years as an indoor plant

(1)Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7. (2)http://plantsdatabase.com/go/2029/index.html

4.1

Soil Condition Loamy, sandy, clay, acidic, neutral, slightly alkaline, tolerates salt, drought tolerant, tolerates wetness

Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7.

4.11

(1)Woody vines or sprawling shrubs , vines closely appressed to substrate, shrubs loosely ascending, evergreen. (2)"Spreads fairly slowly but creates a dense, smothering mass as it develops. Covers almost everything in its path, very greatly modifying the habitat if it is left to develop. " [smothering]

(1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500650 (2)http://www.boprc.govt.nz/weeds/weed49.asp

4.12

no evidence

5.01

Moraceae

5.02

Woody vines or sprawling shrubs

5.03

Moraceae

5.04

Woody vines or sprawling shrubs, vines closely appressed to substrate, shrubs loosely ascending, evergreen.

http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm

6.01

"There have been no accounts of pollinator wasps being introduced to places where F. pumila is cultivated and spread has been only by vegetative means. However, the vine is a vigorous grower and can vegetatively spread into unwanted areas." [able to vegatatively spread in native habitat]

http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm

6.02

AB: "Dry mature seeds germinated after 2 months in liquid Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium, while fresh immature seeds germinated after only 4 days, with germination rates as high as 100% after 2 weeks on hormone-free media. "
[require specialist pollinator to set seeds]

Chen, M. H. (1987) A tissue culture technique for seed germination and asexual propagation of the jelly-fig (Ficus pumila L. var. awkeotsang (Mak.) Corner). Botanical Bulletin of Academia Sinica, Taiwan, 1987, Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 185-189, 6 ref.

6.03

"Plantations of F. pumila var. awkeotsang have been established by planting equal numbers of female and male trees. This species relies on a specific pollinator Blastophaga pumilae (jelly fig wasp)." [unlikely, species specific pollinator is reqired for pollination success]

CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

6.04

"Plantations of F. pumila var. awkeotsang have been established by planting equal numbers of female and male trees. This species relies on a specific pollinator Blastophaga pumilae (jelly fig wasp). Therefore, in order to ensure pollination and fruit production in non-native habitats, male fruits containing the pollinator wasp are collected from other plantations and hung on the new trees. " [dioecious]

CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

6.05

"Plantations of F. pumila var. awkeotsang have been established by planting equal numbers of female and male trees. This species relies on a specific pollinator Blastophaga pumilae (jelly fig wasp)."

CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

6.06

"Because the vine roots along stems, physical control of this plant would be tedious. Pieces left behind are likely to re-grow. "

6.07

[vegetative spread only in introduced range]

7.01

"Capable of spreading from garden rubbish dumps at roadsides."

http://www.boprc.govt.nz/weeds/weed49.asp

7.02

"F. pumila is a common ornamental plant grown in warm tropical areas of the world."

http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm

7.03

no evidence

7.04

"Dispersal: Fruits of other Ficus species in Hawai'i are spread by fruit eating birds. The fruit of F. pumila are fairly large and may not be attractive to smaller birds, though they may be able to nibble on some seeds, ingestion of entire fruits by some birds is unlikely."

http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm

7.05

no evidence

7.06

[vegetative spread only in introduced range]

http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm

7.07

no evidence

7.08

[vegetative spread only in introduced range]

http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm

8.01

[vegetative spread only in introduced range]

Chen, Yong; Li, HongQing & Ma, WeiLiang (2003) Egg-laying and pollinating behavior of Blastophaga pumilae. Acta Entomologica Sinica, 2003, Vol. 46, No. 1, pp. 35-39, 11 ref.

8.02

(1) AB: "Dry mature seeds germinated after 2 months in liquid Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium, while fresh immature seeds germinated after only 4 days, with germination rates as high as 100% after 2 weeks on hormone-free media. "
(2) Seed storage orthodox [vegetative spread only in introduced range]

(2) CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

8.03

Chemical Control:
Spray with Metsulfuron herbicide 5 grams to 10 litres of water in a knapsack sprayer. This recommendation is based on a successful operation on a substantial infestation.

http://www.boprc.govt.nz/weeds/weed49.asp

8.04

Physical control: Once the plant is established, mature woody growth begins to occur, growth rate accelerates, and fruit develops. Keeping the plant trimmed encourages new growth with smaller leaves and discourages aggressive woody growth and fruiting (Riffle 1998). Because the vine roots along stems, physical control of this plant would be tedious. Pieces left behind are likely to re-grow. It is possible to keep the plant contained by trimming or shearing the plant. In New Zealand, slashing, grubbing, hand pulling, and allowing cut material to dry out before disposal is recommended (Haley 1997).

http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_pumila.htm

8.05

no evidence