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

Inocarpus fagifer (Polynesian chestnut, Tahitian chestnut) Synonym: Inocarpus edulis

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

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

n

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

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

n

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

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

4.1

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

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

y

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

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

8

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

y

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

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

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

8.04

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

y=1, n=-1

8.05

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

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

-3

Notes

Source

1.01

No evidence

1.02

(1) Distribution Probably originated in eastern Malesia and taken to Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia by Malay-Polynesian migrants, who are thought to have carried the seeds as food on their voyages. It is occasionally also cultivated elsewhere in the tropics (e.g. in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Java).
[If the above description is true, then many locations of its distributional ranges are from naturalized populations]
(2) AB: The climax vegetation of the Marquesas is assumed to be forest, of which 5 principal types are distinguished and described. "Forest of the lower humid valleys was mostly anthropogenic (cultivation has receded since the arrival of Europeans) and consisted of useful or fruit-bearing trees (no longer cultivated) such as Mangifera indica, Inocarpus fagiferus, Pandanus tectorius and Coffea arabica, often in pure stands. Native species were present but less important. " [naturalized populations persist]

(1) Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.
(2) Halle, F. (1978) Trees and forests of the Marquesas Islands. (FT: Arbres et forets des Iles Marquises.) Cahiers du Pacifique, 1978, No.21, pp.315-357, 30 ref.

1.03

No evidence

2.01

'Large tropical tree often growing wild near rivers and creeks. … Native to Indonesia, Polynesia, and Micronesia. Occasionally cultivated, but usually wild trees are harvested.'

http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/polynesian_chestnut.htm

2.02

Distribution Probably originated in eastern Malesia and taken to Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia by Malay-Polynesian migrants, who are thought to have carried the seeds as food on their voyages. It is occasionally also cultivated elsewhere in the tropics (e.g. in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Java). [Although the origin is not exactly clear, it is clear that the species is suitable to tropical climate]

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

2.03

(1)Large tropical tree often growing wild near rivers and creeks. (2) Inocarpus fagifer is resistant to flooding and grows in swamps and on the banks of estuaries and streams, even in brackish water. It is one of the most common species on the islands of the Pacific, where it occurs up to 500 m altitude. In brackish tidal swamp forest in Johor, Malaysia, it locally dominates the undergrowth. (3)grows in the lowland primary and secondary forest from sea level up to 390 m altitude. It often grows near rivers and swamps and mostly as a clump of trees

(1)http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/polynesian_chestnut.htm (2) Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004. (3)http://www.ecoport.org/

2.04

No evidence of introductions

2.05

Distribution Probably originated in eastern Malesia and taken to Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia by Malay-Polynesian migrants, who are thought to have carried the seeds as food on their voyages. It is occasionally also cultivated elsewhere in the tropics (e.g. in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Java). [Although the origin is not exactly clear, it is clear that the species is suitable to tropical climate]

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

3.01

Distribution Probably originated in eastern Malesia and taken to Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia by Malay-Polynesian migrants, who are thought to have carried the seeds as food on their voyages. It is occasionally also cultivated elsewhere in the tropics (e.g. in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Java). [If the above description is true, then many locations of its distributional ranges are from naturalized populations]

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

3.02

No evidence

3.03

No evidence

3.04

No evidence

3.05

No evidence

4.01

No descrition of these traits

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

4.02

No evidence

4.03

No evidence

4.04

(1)Not described as a fodder plant (2)resistant as seeds and seedlings to crab predation.

(1)http://www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/80824e/80824E0r.htm#
Appendix%20One%20hundred%20Pacific%20Island%20agroforestry%20trees (2)Green, P. T.; O'Dowd, D. J.; Lake, P. S 1997. Control of seedling recruitment by land crabs in rain forest on a remote oceanic island. Ecology 78:2474-2486

4.05

No evidence

4.06

(1)The fungus Helotium inocarpi was listed to be associated with Inocarpus fagifer. (2)Host for Bactrocera melanotus fruit fly -- attacks many economic crops, currently restricted to Cook Islands

(1)http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/all/FindRecOneFungusFrame.cfm (2)http://www.spc.int/pps/PDF_PALs/PAL%2035.pdf

4.07

AB: There are more than 40 indigenous plant species with an edible kernel in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Eleven of these are classed here as very significant, significant or important in village agriculture. This paper is concerned with six species that, it is judged, have potential for commercial development. The main criterion for selecting these species is acceptance of the nut by people from outside the area where it was traditionally grown. The six species are cut nut (pao) (Barringtonia procera ), galip (Canarium indicum ), karuka (Pandanus julianettii ), okari nut (Terminalia kaernbachii ), Polynesian chestnut (aila) (Inocarpus fagifer ) and sea almond (talis, Java almond) (Terminalia catappa ). [nuts are edible]

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

4.08

Probably not - Large tropical tree often growing wild near rivers and creeks.

http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/polynesian_chestnut.htm

4.09

Don’t know

4.1

Don’t know

4.11

Non- climbing tree

http://www.ildis.org/LegumeWeb/6.00/taxa/17739.shtml

4.12

"Often several-stemmed, evergreen tree, with straggling appearance and drooping branches, up to 30 m tall and 65 cm in trunk diameter."

5.01

Inocarpus fagifer is resistant to flooding and grows in swamps and on the banks of estuaries and streams, even in brackish water. [but not an aquatic plant]

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

5.02

Tree

http://www.ildis.org/LegumeWeb/6.00/taxa/17739.shtml

5.03

"Inocarpus fagifer, a nitrogen-fixer and forest dominant"

Dennis J. O'Dowd*, Peter T. Green and P. S. Lake (2003) Invasional 'meltdown' on an oceanic island. Ecology Letters Volume 6 Issue 9 Page 812 - September 2003

5.04

Tree

http://www.ildis.org/LegumeWeb/6.00/taxa/17739.shtml

6.01

"In Java, Inocarpus fagifer flowers from January to June and in September. Fruit set is poor. Plants start bearing fruit when about 8 years old. "

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

6.02

AB: "Persistent seedlings were limited to 2 species (Inocarpus fagifer and Tristiropsis acutangula ), both of which were resistant as seeds and seedlings to crab predation." [seeds and seedlings escape seed crab predation]

Green, P. T.; O'Dowd, D. J.; Lake, P. S. (1997) Control of seedling recruitment by land crabs in rain forest on a remote oceanic island. Ecology, 1997, Vol.78, No.8, pp.2474-2486, 83 ref.

6.03

6.04

6.05

'...they are usually pollinating by birds.' [vague -- flower are white and fragrant and don't have bird syndrome]

http://www.comfsm.fm/~dleeling/botany/2000/vhp/inocarpus_fragiler.html

6.06

Propagation: By seed

http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/polynesian_chestnut.htm

6.07

"Plants start bearing fruit when about 8 years old. "

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

7.01

Pod very variable, 1-seeded, flattened, reniform or wedge-shaped, 5—10 cm x 5—8 cm x 4—5 cm, indehiscent, keeled, ribbed or smooth, mostly densely, finely pubescent when young. Seed up to 8 cm long, with very hard seed-coat and white endosperm. [probably not, very large seed]

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

7.02

'Seeds are boiled or roasted and eaten. The tree also has a number of medicinal uses.'
(2) AB: There are some 40 fruit and nut tree species grown in Vanuatu, a few of which are endemic and the rest of which were introduced by early settlers. Only 7 species are traditionally cultivated: breadfruit, Barrington spp., Canarium spp., golden apple (Spondias cytherea [S. dulcis ]), Polynesian chestnut (Inocarpus fagifer ), Pometia pinnata and Syzygium malaccense . [cultivated]

http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/polynesian_chestnut.htm
(2) Walter, A.; Sam, C.; Mabonlala, A. (1995) Fruit and nut trees of Vanuatu. (FT: Les arbres fruitiers du Vanuatu.) ORSTOM Actualités, 1995, No.48, pp.23-27, 9 ref.

7.03

The fruits are reported to be eated by bats - so it probably has relatively large seeds.

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m2120/n6_v79/21164761/p6/article.jhtml?term=

7.04

No evidence

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m2120/n6_v79/21164761/p6/article.jhtml?term=

7.05

Inocarpus fagifer is resistant to flooding and grows in swamps and on the banks of estuaries and streams, even in brackish water. The fruit may float for over one month in seawater, but the seed quickly loses its viability.
[Although the seeds is not viable for long in sea water, water could still be used as short term dispersal strategy]

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

7.06

Pod very variable, 1-seeded, flattened, reniform or wedge-shaped, 5—10 cm x 5—8 cm x 4—5 cm, indehiscent, keeled, ribbed or smooth, mostly densely, finely pubescent when young. Seed up to 8 cm long, with very hard seed-coat and white endosperm. [probably not, very large seed without fleshy part for reward]

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

7.07

Pod very variable, 1-seeded, flattened, reniform or wedge-shaped, 5—10 cm x 5—8 cm x 4—5 cm, indehiscent, keeled, ribbed or smooth, mostly densely, finely pubescent when young. Seed up to 8 cm long, with very hard seed-coat and white endosperm. [probably not, very large seed without known means of attachment]

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

7.08

'Ten of the plant species most commonly used for fruit by P. samoensis and P. tonganus were included in a more intensive survey of comparative use ... Of the 10 species examined, 5 species (Artocarpus altilus, Planchonella samoensis, Syzygium inophylloides, Palaquium stehlinii, and Inocarpus fagifer) comprised 79% (21, 17, 17, 13, and 11%, respectively) of the total biomass of fruit detected in the diet from November 1993 to October 1994. ... Inocarpus fagifer contributed over half (58%) of the total fruit biomass eaten during the month of March and was the dominant contributor (39%) in February among the ten commonly used species.' [P. samoensis - samoan flying fox, P. tonganus - tongan fruit bat - Evidence of ingestion - but no evidence whether the bats are dispersers or predators.]

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m2120/n6_v79/21164761/p6/article.jhtml?term=

8.01

Pod very variable, 1-seeded, flattened, reniform or wedge-shaped, 5—10 cm x 5—8 cm x 4—5 cm, indehiscent, keeled, ribbed or smooth, mostly densely, finely pubescent when young. Seed up to 8 cm long, with very hard seed-coat and white endosperm. [probably not, very large seed]

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

8.02

The fruit may float for over one month in seawater, but the seed quickly loses its viability.

Sosef, M.S.M. & van der Maesen, L.J.G., 2003. Inocarpus fagifer (Parkinson) Fosberg. [Internet] Record number 3119 from TEXTFILE On-line. Faridah Hanum, I & van der Maesen, L.J.G. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia. http://www.proseanet.org. Accessed: Thursday, 22 January 2004.

8.03

No evidence that the species is being controlled for.

8.04

Don’t know

8.05

Don’t know