Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)
RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: High risk, score: 7
Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Hawai‘i. Information on Risk Assessments |
Ficus religiosa L. Family - Moraceae. Common Names(s) - Bo tree, Peepul tree, Bodhi tree. Synonym(s) - Urostigma religiosum. |
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 |
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 |
1 |
2.04 |
Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates |
y=1, n=0 |
y |
1 |
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 |
2 |
|
3.02 |
Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2) |
n=0 |
n |
0 |
3.03 |
Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2) |
n=0 |
n |
0 |
3.04 |
Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2) |
n=0 |
n |
0 |
3.05 |
Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2) |
n=0 |
y |
2 |
4.01 |
Produces spines, thorns or burrs |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
0 |
4.02 |
Allelopathic |
y=1, n=0 |
||
4.03 |
Parasitic |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
0 |
4.04 |
Unpalatable to grazing animals |
y=1, n=-1 |
n |
-1 |
4.05 |
Toxic to animals |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
0 |
4.06 |
Host for recognized pests and pathogens |
y=1, n=0 |
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 |
n |
0 |
4.09 |
Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle |
y=1, n=0 |
||
4.10 |
Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island) |
y=1, n=0 |
y |
1 |
4.11 |
Climbing or smothering growth habit |
y=1, n=0 |
y |
1 |
4.12 |
Forms dense thickets |
y=1, n=0 |
n |
0 |
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 |
y |
1 |
6.06 |
Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation |
y=1, n=-1 |
n |
-1 |
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 |
n |
-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 |
n |
-1 |
7.04 |
Propagules adapted to wind dispersal |
y=1, n=-1 |
n |
-1 |
7.05 |
Propagules water dispersed |
y=1, n=-1 |
n |
-1 |
7.06 |
Propagules bird dispersed |
y=1, n=-1 |
y |
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 |
y |
1 |
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 |
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: |
7 |
Supporting data:
Notes |
Source |
|
1.01 |
(1)no evidence |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
1.02 |
||
1.03 |
||
2.01 |
(1)Natural latitude range Approximate limits north to south: 30N to 5S List of countries with natural populations Asia: Bangladesh Bhutan China Yunnan India Laos Myanmar Nepal Pakistan Singapore Sri Lanka Thailand Vietnam List of countries where planted Asia: Bangladesh China India Israel Myanmar Pakistan Singapore Africa: Egypt Madagascar North America [USA] Florida |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
2.02 |
(1)Natural latitude range Approximate limits north to south: 30N to 5S List of countries with natural populations Asia: Bangladesh Bhutan China Yunnan India Laos Myanmar Nepal Pakistan Singapore Sri Lanka Thailand Vietnam List of countries where planted Asia: Bangladesh China India Israel Myanmar Pakistan Singapore Africa: Egypt Madagascar North America [USA] Florida |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
2.03 |
(1)Natural latitude range Approximate limits north to south: 30N to 5S Climate descriptors - Altitude range: 10 - 1500 m - Mean annual rainfall: 500 - 5000 mm - Rainfall regime: summer; uniform - Dry season duration: no data available - Mean annual temperature: 22 - 24C - Mean maximum temperature of hottest month: 27 - 32C - Mean minimum temperature of coldest month: 14 - 20C - Absolute minimum temperature: > 0C (2)Hardiness Range 10B to 11 (3)F. religiosa is a sacred tree native to India where it grows up to elevations of 5,000 ft (1,524 m) |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global
Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
2.04 |
(1)Natural latitude range Approximate limits north to south: 30N to 5S List of countries with natural populations Asia: Bangladesh Bhutan China Yunnan India Laos Myanmar Nepal Pakistan Singapore Sri Lanka Thailand Vietnam List of countries where planted Asia: Bangladesh China India Israel Myanmar Pakistan Singapore Africa: Egypt Madagascar North America [USA] Florida |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
2.05 |
(1)List of countries where planted Asia: Bangladesh China India Israel Myanmar Pakistan Singapore Africa: Egypt Madagascar North America [USA] Florida |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
3.01 |
(1)In Florida, seedlings were found in Homestead in 1975 and
in Miami in 1988, though these were isolated events and did not persist (Nadel
et al. 1992). The wasps for these sporadic events were never recovered so it
is uncertain whether the pollinator wasps simply did not survive or if other
pollinator wasps were responsible. The pollinator wasp for the native F.
aurea, Pegoscapus jimenezi (Grandi), has been found intruding into syconia
of two non-native figs, F. septica and F. religiosa. In Israel, F. religiosa
and it's associated pollinator wasp, Blastophaga quadraticeps are now both
established and producing seedlings near irrigated areas and in
exceptionally moist microhabitats. |
(1)http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_religiosa.htm (2)Frohlich, D. and A. Lau. 2007. New plant records from O‘ahu for 2007. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 100: 3-12. |
3.02 |
no evidence |
|
3.03 |
no evidence |
|
3.04 |
no evidence |
|
3.05 |
(1)F. pumila and 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. |
(1)Weeds in New Zealand (http://www.boprc.govt.nz/www/green/weedindx.htm)
contact: norb@kcbbs.gen.nz |
4.01 |
(1)no description of these traits |
(1)http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_religiosa.htm |
4.02 |
(1)AB: Experiments were conducted to assess the allelopathic effects of water extracts of leaves of 10 herbaceous and woody plants on germination of congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus ) seeds collected from Chandigarh, Kurukshetra, Jind, Delhi and Meerut. Results indicated that, although seeds from different locations varied in their response, overall inhibition of seed germination occurred as a result of, in decreasing order, pigeon peas (73.9%), Albizia lebbe[c]k (47.2%), Cassia tora (41.25%), C. fistula (41.0%), Ficus religiosa (36.04%), Acacia nilotica (34.0%), Eucalyptus tereticornis (26.2%), Azadirachta indica (21.75%), Brassica campestris (21.6%) and Clerodendrum inerme (10.25%). [lab only] (2)Abstract: Aqueous extracts of fresh leaves and litter of 4 species of Ficus were tested for their phytotoxicity against 9 crops. Germination and early growth of most of the species was invariably reduced especially in litter extracts whereas some of the test species could not even germinate. Soil collected from beneath all the four Ficus species also retarded the germination and radicle growth of the various test species. |
(1)Dhawan, S. R.; Poonam Dhawan (1995) Biocontrol of congress grass: studies on seed germination. World Weeds, 1995, Vol.2, No.1, pp.3-9, 28 ref. (2)Akram, M., N. Ahmad, F. Hussain, and K. M. Aslam. 1990. Allelopathic potential of four species of Ficus. Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research 33(1-2): 52-54. |
4.03 |
(1)no evidence |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
4.04 |
(1)F. religiosa produces good quality fodder |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
4.05 |
(1)F. religiosa produces good quality fodder |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
4.06 |
(1)Xanthomonas campestris pv. fici was known to cause leaf
spot on ornamental plants F. benjamina [minor plant] (http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/Foliage/Resrpts/rh_90_3.htm) |
(1)Nema, A. G. (2001) Studies on Angular leaf-spot of Pipal
(Ficus religiosa Linn.). Advances in Plant Sciences, 2001, Vol.14, No.1,
pp.287-289, 12 ref. |
4.07 |
(1)AB: This paper reports 13 wild species of Ficus found to be used as food plants in Jaunsar-Bawar in the Western Himalayas, Uttar Pradesh (India) during a survey performed in 1997 and 1998. The species recorded include F. benghalensis , F. glomerata , F. hispida , F. religiosa , F. roxburghii and F. rumphii . A description of each species, common habitats, phenology and uses are given. |
(1)Pundir, Y. P. S.; Dhan Singh (1998) Wild food plants of Jaunsar Bawar - IV. The Ficus species. World Weeds, 1998, Vol.5, No.1/2, pp.91-103, 6 ref. |
4.08 |
(1) deciduousn, (2)Low flammability |
(1) CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2) Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7. |
4.09 |
(1)Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun (2)Needs much more light (2000 Lux) than the average Ficus. (3)Grows fast, it can tolerate drought, shade, poor soil. |
(1)Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7. (2)http://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/ficus.html (3)http://www.made-in-china.com/showroom/cngreenhom/product-detailkqzxWCgEHrcv/China-Ficus-Religiosa-Tree-FIC003-.html |
4.10 |
(1) - Soil texture: light - Soil drainage: free - Soil reaction: neutral (2)Soil Condition Loamy, sandy, clay, acidic, neutral, alkaline, tolerates salt, drought tolerant |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2)Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7. |
4.11 |
(1)often an epiphyte when young. |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
4.12 |
(1)no evidence |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
5.01 |
(1)terrestrial |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
5.02 |
(1)tree; Moraceae |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
5.03 |
(1)no evidence |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
5.04 |
(1)tree |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
6.01 |
(1)no evidence |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
6.02 |
(1)AB: Ficus religiosa is one of the
common ornamental trees in Israel but despite great numbers of drupelets
accumulating on the ground around the trees none was found to germinate. In
the laboratory the drupelets germinated readily at 25 deg C in the light; no
germination took place in darkness. Constant humidity of the substrate was
essential. Of the 8 different substrates tested, the highest germination
(94%) was obtained on sandy loam and lowest (66%) on pieces of fresh fruit.
(2)Ficus religiosa L.New naturalized record |
(1)Galil, J.; Meiri, L. (1981) Drupelet germination in Ficus religiosa L. Israel Journal of Botany, 1981, Vol.30, No.1, pp.41-47, 4 ref. (2)Frohlich, D. and A. Lau. 2007. New plant records from O‘ahu for 2007. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 100: 3-12. |
6.03 |
(1)Pollinated only by species specific fig wasp; [unlikely to hybridize, but see reference 2] (2)Hybrid events have been recorded more frequently in species outside of their natural range (E benjamina (Old World) x F. padifolia (New World), Ramirez & Montero 1988; hybrid seedlings of F. religiosa (Old World) x F aurea (New World) in Miami and EF septica (New World) x F religiosa (New World) in Manila, the Philippines, Ramirez 1994). To date, the presence of natural hybrids has not been genetically ascertained and the frequency of such individuals in natural populations is unknown. |
(1)http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_religiosa.htm (2)Parrish, T. L., Hans P. Koelewijn, Peter J. van Dijk, Marco Kruijt. 2003. Genetic Evidence for Natural Hybridization between Species of Dioecious Ficus on Island Populations. Biotropica 35(3): 333-343. |
6.04 |
(1)AB: "Four species of monoecious figs namely, Ficus religiosa, F. drupaceae, F. racemosa and F. benghalensis pollinated by Platyscapa quadraticeps, Eupristina belgaumensis, Ceratosolen fusciceps and Eupristina masoni , respectively, and gynodioecious species viz.," |
(1)Abdulrazak, I. P.; Abdurahiman, U. C. (2002) Distribution patterns of style lengths in Ficus and the ovipositor size of their chalcid pollinators (Agaonidae: Hymenoptera): an analytical study. Entomon, 2002, Vol.27, No.2, pp.197-204, 23 ref. |
6.05 |
Pollination: The fruit (syconium or fig) and reproduction systems of species in the genus Ficus are unique. Each species of Ficus has an associated species of agaonid wasp (Hymenoptera: Chalcoidea: Agaonidae). Ficus species can only be pollinated by their associated agaonid wasps and in turn, the wasps can only lay eggs within their associated Ficus fruit. The pollinator wasp for F. religiosa is Blastophaga quadraticeps. Propagation: In places where the pollinator is present, seeds are used |
|
6.06 |
(1)no evidence |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
6.07 |
(1)A large, fast-growing deciduous tree. (2) It is relatively fast-growing and deciduous, often an epiphyte when young. |
(1)http://www.icogitate.com/~tree/fig.w32.htm (2)CAB International, 2005. Forestry Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
7.01 |
(1)Elsewhere in the world and in Hawai'i, trees are occasionally cultivated and are most often seen planted near temples. |
(1)http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_religiosa.htm |
7.02 |
(1)List of countries where planted Asia: Bangladesh China India Israel Myanmar Pakistan Singapore Africa: Egypt Madagascar North America [USA] Florida (2)This large deciduous tree is sacred to the Hindus and Buddhists, under which Budda received enlightenment. |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2)http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/acc_num/198500455.html |
7.03 |
(1)no evidence |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
7.04 |
(1)fleshy fruit |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
7.05 |
(1)no evidence |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
7.06 |
(1)Dispersal: In Hawai'i, plants are spread mainly through horticulture trade. Various birds observed foraging and roosting in Ficus spp. trees on Maui that could be potential dispersal agents of F. religiosa seeds should they become viable include mynah birds (Acridotheres tristis tristis), blue faced doves (Geopelia striata), lace necked doves (Streptopelia chinensis), Japanese white-eye (Zosterops japonicus), Northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis), and house sparrows (Passer domesticus), though there are probably more. Other animals, such as bats, pigs, rodents, parrots, and monkeys may be capable of spreading fruit. (2)A dicot of the family of figs, Moraceae, though of doubtful value for fruit consumption except by birds, Ficus religiosa is widespread in India, Southeast Asia up to China, in parallel with the spread of Buddhism19, i.e. by human intervention. |
(1)http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_religiosa.htm (2)Sitaramam, V., S. R. Jog and P. Tetali. 2009. Ecology of Ficus religiosa accounts for its association with religion. Current Science 97: 637-640. (3)http://www.srimahabodhiya.lk/bot.htm [Accessed 08 Dec 2009] |
7.07 |
(1)no evidence |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. |
7.08 |
(1)Dispersal: In Hawai'i, plants are spread mainly through horticulture trade. Various birds observed foraging and roosting in Ficus spp. trees on Maui that could be potential dispersal agents of F. religiosa seeds should they become viable include mynah birds (Acridotheres tristis tristis), blue faced doves (Geopelia striata), lace necked doves (Streptopelia chinensis), Japanese white-eye (Zosterops japonicus), Northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis), and house sparrows (Passer domesticus), though there are probably more. Other animals, such as bats, pigs, rodents, parrots, and monkeys may be capable of spreading fruit. |
(1)http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_religiosa.htm |
8.01 |
(1)Ficus religiosa L.New naturalized record |
(1)Frohlich, D. and A. Lau. 2007. New plant records from O‘ahu for 2007. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 100: 3-12. |
8.02 |
(1)Silvicultural practice descriptors - Seed storage orthodox 2)Storage Conditions: Viability maintained for 2 years in open storage at room temperature (Campbell, 1980); for 3 years without loss in viability (Galil & Meiri, 1981) |
(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2)Liu, K., Eastwood, R.J., Flynn, S., Turner, R.M., and Stuppy, W.H. 2008. Seed Information Database (release 7.1, May 2008) http://www.kew.org/data/sid |
8.03 |
(1)Chemical control: A cut stump treatment with a chemical such as Garlon (triclopyr) would probably be effective in control. |
(1)http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_religiosa.htm |
8.04 |
(1) - Ability to suited for coppicing (2) Physical control: F. religiosa can most likely be cut down but will probably re-grow without chemical treatment. |
(1) CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2) http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_religiosa.htm |
8.05 |
(1)Biological control: Currently there are no known biological controls for F. religiosa. |
(1)http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/html/ficus_religiosa.htm |
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