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

Leonotis nepetifolia (annual lion's ear, lion's ear)

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

y

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

y

3.03

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

n=0

y

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

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

y

4.09

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

y=1, n=0

n

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

y

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

y

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

n

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

1

7.01

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

y=1, n=-1

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

y

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

y

8.02

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

y=1, n=-1

y

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

8.04

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

y=1, n=-1

n

8.05

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

y=-1, n=1

n

Total score:

19

Source

Notes

1.01

No evidence

1.02

(1)However, it is now naturalized all over the world in appropriate climates, where it grows along road shoulders, in abandoned fields and in disturbed areas. (2) 'widely naturalized'

(1)http://www.floridata.com/ref/L/leon_nep.cfm (2)http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm

1.03

No evidence

2.01

(1)originally native to tropical and subtropical Africa (2)Native to tropical Africa

(1)http://www.floridata.com/ref/L/leon_nep.cfm (2)http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm

2.02

2.03

(1)capable of maintaining a self sustaining population in USDA zones 8-11[broad range]
(2)AB: "Temperature played an important role in limiting the distribution of L. nepetifolia by influencing its seed germination. Seeds do not germinate at 15-20 deg C. About 100% seed germination is achieved between 28 to 32 deg C and 40 to 60% soil moisture (rainy season: June-September) in six month-old seeds. This explains its restricted distribution to tropical regions." [suggest narrow range] (3)Specimens commonly collected between 10 and 1000 m elevation

(1) http://www.floridata.com/ref/L/leon_nep.cfm
(2)Lal, B.; Ambasht, R. S. (1982) Ecological studies on seed germination of Leonotis nepetifolia (L) Ait. f. in relation to environmental factors, with emphasis on fluoride polluted soils. Geo-Eco-Trop, 1982, Vol.6, No.3, pp.229-237, 9 ref. (3)http://mobot.mobot.org/cgi-bin/search_vast

2.04

(1)originally native to tropical and subtropical Africa (2)Native to tropical Africa

(1)http://www.floridata.com/ref/L/leon_nep.cfm (2)http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm

2.05

'widely naturalized'

http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm

3.01

(1)However, it is now naturalized all over the world in appropriate climates, where it grows along road shoulders, in abandoned fields and in disturbed areas. (2) 'widely naturalized'

(1)http://www.floridata.com/ref/L/leon_nep.cfm (2)http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm

3.02

(1)it is now naturalized all over the world in appropriate climates, where it grows along road shoulders, in abandoned fields and in disturbed areas; annual lion's ear is not really a serious pest in most areas, because it mainly grows in areas already highly disturbed, or where the original vegetation has been destroyed, and it doesn't seem to displace native species. (2)'Forms dense thickets and is most abundant on heavily disturbed areas such as roadsides, overgrazed pastures and river levee banks. It has the potential to form large colonies that displace native plants.' [potential but seems to be disturbance weed]

(1)http://www.cannaluver.com/LeonotisNepetifolia.html?1033293119340 (2)http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm

3.03

weeds including Noogoora burr (Xanthium strumarium), bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypifolia), lion's tail (Leonotis nepetifolia), devil's claw (Martynia annua), sida (Sida acuta) and hyptis (Hyptis suaveolens) are a problem for producers. [refers to cattle production]

http://savanna.ntu.edu.au/information/gc/grazing_in_the_nt_gulf.html

3.04

(1)a serious creekline weed in the Northern Territory.[disturbed habitat; seed question 3.02] (2)Self-seeds easily, but not considered invasive [Florida] (3)One small area of Lion's tail (Leonotis nepetifolia), which forms dense spiky stands and displaces native vegetation, has also been identified, but should be eradicated in the near future. [this area is predominantly used for cattle grazing = disturbance]

(1) http://members.iinet.net.au/~weeds/western_weeds/lamiaceae.htm (2)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP107 (3)http://savanna.ntu.edu.au/information/km/km_wd.html

3.05

L. mollissima is listed as a common weed in Kenya and Puerto Rico.

Holm et al. 1997. An electronic atlas of weeds and invasive species. Version 1.0

4.01

No evidence

http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm

4.02

No evidence

4.03

No evidence

4.04

weeds including Noogoora burr (Xanthium strumarium), bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypifolia), lion's tail (Leonotis nepetifolia), devil's claw (Martynia annua), sida (Sida acuta) and hyptis (Hyptis suaveolens) are a problem for producers. [refers to cattle production]

http://savanna.ntu.edu.au/information/gc/grazing_in_the_nt_gulf.html

4.05

No evidence of poisoning

4.06

(1)Cercospora leonotidis, Corynespora sp., Oidium sp., Puccinia leonotidicola were found to be associated with Leonotis nepetifolia.
(2) Elsinoë phaseoli which causes scab on cowpea, occurred on Leonotis nepetifolia in Nigeria. Did not find the above to be recognized pests.
[E. phaseoli is te casual agent of scab disease of many legume crop; wide host range]

(2)Adebitan, S. A. 1996. Record of new host plants for Sphaceloma on cowpea in Nigeria. Mycopathologia, Vol.143, No.1, pp.47-5.

4.07

No evidence

4.08

Probably - dry, dense patches contain flamable dead standing biomass

4.09

(1)Light: Full sun to intermittent shade. (2)Sun Exposure: Full sun (3)Full sun to light shade (4)Sun
(5)it loves sun

(1)http://www.floridata.com/ref/L/leon_nep.cfm (2)http://www.sunnyboygardens.com/Catalog/cata6.htm (3)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP107 (4)http://www.anniesannuals.com/signs/l/leonotis_nepetifolia_A.htm (5)http://www.alchemy-works.com/leonotis_nepetifolia.html

4.1

(1)Well-drained soil, alkaline, sandy (2)well drained soil (3)various types of grounds, stony or sandy

(1)http://www.sunnyboygardens.com/Catalog/cata6.htm (2)http://www.alchemy-works.com/leonotis_nepetifolia.html (3)http://www.barbadine.com/pages/leonotis_leo_lien.htm

4.11

Probably not - not a vine.

http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm

4.12

'Forms dense thickets and is most abundant on heavily disturbed areas such as roadsides, overgrazed pastures and river levee banks. It has the potential to form large colonies that displace native plants.'

http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm

5.01

Lamiaceae

5.02

Lamiaceae

5.03

Lamiaceae

5.04

Coarse annual herbs; stems 10-25 dm long, deeply furrowed and puberulent (Lamiaceae)

http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm

6.01

'Nutlet production of bagged inflorescence suggests that Leonotis species are self compatible. … birds and insects have little effect on nutlet production in L. nepetifolia … the annual species produces large number of nutlets through autogamy.'

Vos-W-T; Edwards-T-J; Van-Staden-J. 1994. Pollination biology of annual and perennial Leonotis species (Lamiaceae). Plant-Systematics-and-Evolution. 192 (1-2) 1-9..

6.02

Seeds do not germinate at 15-20 deg C. About 100% seed germination is achieved between 28 to 32 deg C and 40 to 60% soil moisture (rainy season: June-September) in six month-old seeds.

Lal, B.; Ambasht, R. S. . 1982. Ecological studies on seed germination of Leonotis nepetifolia (L) Ait. f. in relation to environmental factors, with emphasis on fluoride polluted soils. Geo-Eco-Trop.Vol.6, No.3, pp.229-23.

6.03

6.04

'Nutlet production of bagged inflorescence suggests that Leonotis species are self compatible. … birds and insects have little effect on nutlet production in L. nepetifolia … the annual species produces large number of nutlets through autogamy.'

Vos-W-T; Edwards-T-J; Van-Staden-J. 1994. Pollination biology of annual and perennial Leonotis species (Lamiaceae). Plant-Systematics-and-Evolution. 192 (1-2) 1-9..

6.05

Although hummingbirds and bees pollinate L. nepetifolia, autogamy prevails in this annual species.

Vos-W-T; Edwards-T-J; Van-Staden-J. 1994. Pollination biology of annual and perennial Leonotis species (Lamiaceae). Plant-Systematics-and-Evolution. 192 (1-2) 1-9..

6.06

Propagation: Seeds

http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm

6.07

An annual plant.

http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm

7.01

machinery?

http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm

7.02

It is great, however in a butterfly garden or a naturalized shrub and perennial garden

(1)http://www.floridata.com/ref/L/leon_nep.cfm (2)http://www.gardenweek.org/journal/092700/part2.html

7.03

Flower heads are popular in dried floral arrangements

7.04

7.05

(1)Seeds, dispersed by water and mud on machinery (2)a serious creekline weed in the Northern Territory

(1)http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm (2)http://members.iinet.net.au/~weeds/western_weeds/lamiaceae.htm

7.06

No evidence

7.07

No evidence

7.08

No evidence of consumption

8.01

Don't know seed size and number. Nutlets dull black and 2.5 - 4 mm long.
[Probably yes. There are up to 4 seeds for each flower in Lamiaceae. A small flowering plant of L. nepetifolia can easily exceed a hundred flowers, which means only 2-3 plants needed to achieve the number of 1000 seeds, and it is highly likely. (personal observation)]

Wagner,W. L., D. R. Herbst & S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of flowering plants of Hawaii. University of Hawaii at Press. Honolulu.

8.02

Ecological studies were conducted on seeds from this provenance. Fresh seeds were dormant due to the presence of a water soluble inhibitor in the seed coat. Dormancy ended naturally on dry storage for six months at 15-35 deg C

Lal, B.; Ambasht, R. S. . 1982. Ecological studies on seed germination of Leonotis nepetifolia (L) Ait. f. in relation to environmental factors, with emphasis on fluoride polluted soils. Geo-Eco-Trop.Vol.6, No.3, pp.229-23.

8.03

No evidence of being controlled for.

8.04

it is not hard to keep this semi-invasive weed under control [mannualy]

http://www.floridata.com/ref/L/leon_nep.cfm

8.05

Plant grows in dense naturalized patches in Hawaii

http://www.hear.org/pier/lenep.htm