Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)
RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: High risk, score: 9
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Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Hawai‘i. Information on Risk Assessments Original risk assessment |
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Phytolacca dioica L. Family - Phytolaccaceae. Common names - Ombu, Bella Sombre, Pokeweed, Belhambra, Bella Ombre, Omboe, Umbo, Umbra tree, Elephant tree, Fitolaca, Beautiful shade. Synonyms: P. arborea Moq., P. populifolia Salisb., Pircunia dioica Moq., Sarcoca dioica Rafin.) |
Answer |
Score |
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1.01 |
Is the species highly domesticated? (If answer is 'no' then go to question 2.01) |
n |
0 |
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1.02 |
Has the species become naturalized where grown? |
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1.03 |
Does the species have weedy races? |
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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” |
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 |
|
2.04 |
Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates |
y |
1 |
|
2.05 |
Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range? y=-2 |
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) |
y |
2 |
|
3.03 |
Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2) |
n |
0 |
|
3.04 |
Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2) |
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|
3.05 |
Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2) |
y |
2 |
|
4.01 |
Produces spines, thorns or burrs |
n |
0 |
|
4.02 |
Allelopathic |
n |
0 |
|
4.03 |
Parasitic |
n |
0 |
|
4.04 |
Unpalatable to grazing animals |
y |
1 |
|
4.05 |
Toxic to animals |
y |
1 |
|
4.06 |
Host for recognized pests and pathogens |
n |
0 |
|
4.07 |
Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans |
n |
0 |
|
4.08 |
Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems |
n |
0 |
|
4.09 |
Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle |
n |
0 |
|
4.1 |
Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island) |
y |
1 |
|
4.11 |
Climbing or smothering growth habit |
n |
0 |
|
4.12 |
Forms dense thickets |
n |
0 |
|
5.01 |
Aquatic |
n |
0 |
|
5.02 |
Grass |
n |
0 |
|
5.03 |
Nitrogen fixing woody plant |
n |
0 |
|
5.04 |
Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers) |
n |
0 |
|
6.01 |
Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat |
n |
0 |
|
6.02 |
Produces viable seed. |
y |
1 |
|
6.03 |
Hybridizes naturally |
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|
6.04 |
Self-compatible or apomictic |
n |
-1 |
|
6.05 |
Requires specialist pollinators |
n |
0 |
|
6.06 |
Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation |
n |
-1 |
|
6.07 |
Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1 |
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|
7.01 |
Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas) |
n |
-1 |
|
7.02 |
Propagules dispersed intentionally by people |
y |
1 |
|
7.03 |
Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant |
n |
-1 |
|
7.04 |
Propagules adapted to wind dispersal |
n |
-1 |
|
7.05 |
Propagules water dispersed |
n |
-1 |
|
7.06 |
Propagules bird dispersed |
y |
1 |
|
7.07 |
Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally) |
n |
-1 |
|
7.08 |
Propagules survive passage through the gut |
y |
1 |
|
8.01 |
Prolific seed production (>1000/m2) |
y |
1 |
|
8.02 |
Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr) |
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8.03 |
Well controlled by herbicides |
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8.04 |
Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire |
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8.05 |
Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents) |
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Total score: |
9 |
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Supporting data:
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Notes |
Reference |
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1.01 |
No evidence |
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1.02 |
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1.03 |
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2.01 |
(1)Native: |
(1)http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl
(2)http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/SEA/Products |
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2.02 |
(1)naturalized elsewhere (2)Introduced to Hawaii. (3)Cultivated in North America. (4)"The species is also cultivated in Southern California as a shade tree." |
(1)http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl (2)http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/carr/page19.htm (3)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=125362 (4)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ombu |
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2.03 |
(1)"Ombu is a tree of subtropical origins, but will
withstand negative temperatures such as 25-26°F (-3 to -4°C) and can thus be
grown in USDA zones 9b and warmer. It may be tried in most sheltered places
in zones 9a." (2)"Hardiness: |
(1)http://coolexotics.com/plant-332.html (2)http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/57427/index.html |
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2.04 |
Native: |
http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl |
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2.05 |
(1)naturalized elsewhere (2)Introduced to Hawaii. (3)Cultivated in North America. (4)"The species is also cultivated in Southern California as a shade tree." |
(1)http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl (2)http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/carr/page19.htm (3)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=125362 (4)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ombu |
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3.01 |
(1)naturalized elsewhere (2)"Native to South America, P. dioica was imported into southern Europe after the mid 18th century, where it became naturalized in regions with a Mediterranean climate." |
(1)http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl
(2)http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/SEA/Products |
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3.02 |
(1) " It has a very fast growth. It does not have to stand near constructions by the aggressiveness by his roots. Its use must be limited gardens, with sufficient space for its growth." (2) The tree is reputed to grow rapidly to its preferred height but is fairly aggressive in gardens, with root suckers appearing readily above the soil. [As there is evidence that this species is an environmental weed, but little evidence of impacts, this taxon is being receiving a "yes" answer to this question]. |
(1)http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u= |
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3.03 |
No evidence. |
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3.04 |
(1)"It may become a very invasive weed in southern California gardens and is difficult to eradicate when it becomes well-established." (2)Recognized as potential problem/invasive species in Swaziland. (3)Listed as "Declared Weeds & Invader Plants: Category 3 Plants" - [These are the plants which have been declared Weeds and Alien Invader Plants in South Africa in terms of the Regulations pertaining to the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983 as amended. For more information, about alien plants please see: http://www.agis.agric.za/wip/ AND http://www.arc.agric.za/. Category 3 Plants = The regulations regarding these plants are the same as for category 1, except that plants already in existence at the time of the commencement of these regulations are exempt, unless they occur within 30 metres of a 1:50 year flood line of river, stream etc. Category 1 Plants = This is the strictest category. These plants may not occur on any land or inland water surface other than in a biological control reserve. Except for the purposes of establishing a biological control reserve, one may not plant, maintain, multiply or propagate such plants, import or sell or acquire propagating material of such plants except with the written exception of the executive officer.] (4)In Southern Africa - "There are more than a dozen other tree species and shrubs that have been declared weeds. However, most are localized species or their importance is currently not as great as those listed in Table 1. Nevertheless, many of them have the potential to spread quickly if allowed to establish in new, suitable habitats, and so should be considered dangerous. ... The tree species and shrubs declared as invaders include Ailanthus altissima, Eriobotrya japonica, Gleditsia triacanthos, Ligustrum ovalifolium, Lonicera japonica, Metrosideros excelsa, Mimosa pigra, Myoporum tenuifolium, Pyracantha angustifolia, P. crenulata, Phytolacca dioica, Robinia pseudoacacia, Salix babylonica, S. fragilis, Syzygium cumini, S. jambos and Tipuana tipu." [No evidence of impact] |
(1)http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ecoph24.htm (3)http://www.plantzafrica.com/miscell/aliens4.htm (4)http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/005/AC846E/ac846e06.htm |
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3.05 |
[Several species of the genus are categorized as weeds
of some type, but are predominantly perennial herbs or small shrubs with
perfect . In contrast, P. dioica is a dioecious tree, with a therefore
different life history and reproductive biology (1) Phytolacca,americana,,,,N,,,,Australian
Naturalised and/or Noxious Taxa |
(1) http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/global/australia/mel.html [09 Nov 2007} |
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4.01 |
(1) No mention of spines, thorns or burrs in botanical description. |
(1) Stapes, G.W. and D.R. Herbst. A Tropical Garden Flora: Plants Cultivated in the Hawaiian Islands and Other Tropical Places. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, HI. |
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4.02 |
No evidence for Phytolacca dioica, but other members of genus exhibit allelopathy (1) The phytotoxic effects of the two Phytolacca species were different, despite the fact that P. esculenta and P. insularis had similar levels of total phenolic compounds. We also found that P. americana had invaded Ullung Island, which suggested that P. americana had excellent adaptability to the environment. The three species of Phytolaccaceae in South Korea can be distinguished by their different allelopathic potentials and morphologies. |
(1) Lee, E. J., Kim, Y. O., Johnson, J. D., Lee EunJu. 2005. Phytotoxic effects and chemical analysis of leaf extracts from three Phytolaccaceae species in South Korea. Journal of Chemical Ecology 31(5): 1175-1186. |
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4.03 |
No evidence for P. dioica or any other members of genus. |
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4.04 |
(1) "Its sap is poisonous, therefore the bush is not browsed by cattle." |
(1) http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/ombu.htm |
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4.05 |
(1)"Fodder: Leaves are used as fodder in times of drought. However, fruits should be considered potentially toxic to livestock." (2)Suspected packalacca (Phytolacca dioica) poisoning of cattle and chickens. |
(1)http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/SEA/Products |
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4.06 |
The following 8 fungi were listed to be associated with
Phytolacca dioica - Cercospora pircuniae: Argentina - 786 , 37563 , 37852 ;
China - 37852 |
http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/index.cfm |
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4.07 |
(1) The leaves are poisonous. They are said to be alright to eat when young, the toxins developing as they grow older. Other parts of the plant, including the fruit, are likely to be poisonous. [no evidence of human poisoning] (2) We describe an infrequent case of a 40-year-old female who presented recurrent episodes of rhinoconjunctivitis related with the exposition to the pollen of P. dioica s tree (it present in her garden) and sibilance episodes by night in June–July. Our results suggest that pollen of P. dioica can induce IgE-mediated allergic responses, we report a patient with rhinoconjunctivitis, and perhaps sibilance, caused by its pollen. [rare, unique case] |
(1) http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Phytolacca+dioica [9 Nov 2007] (2)Baltasat Drago MA, Pineda de la Losa F, Guspi Bori R. 2007. Allergy due to Phytolacca dioica. Allergy 62(5):568-569. |
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4.08 |
(1)"The Ombu's massive, fire resistant trunks contain water storage tissue, an excellent adaptation for intense grassland fires which are common in this region. The "trees" have enlarged bases in which they store water. This plant is plentiful in the pampas regions. It grows naturally in these areas." (2)"The trunk and branches contain up to 80% of water." (3) The massive, fire-resistant trunk contains water storage tissue, an excellent adaptation for raging grass fires that periodically sweep across the pampas. |
(1)http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/ombu.htm (2)http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/SEA/Products |
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4.09 |
(1)"It grows in rich peat with lots of water from October to December, and lots of sun." (2)"Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Sun to Partial Shade." |
(1)http://bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/subs/phy-dio-sub.asp (2)http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/57427/index.html |
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4.1 |
(1) "Soil type: P. dioica will grow on a variety of soil types and is undemanding in soil fertility." (2) The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. |
(1) http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/SEA/Products |
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4.11 |
No evidence. Not a vining plant, and does not form rosettes. |
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4.12 |
No evidence. Descriptions of growth form and naturalization contain no mention of dense stands or thickets. (1) The Ombu can be found in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. It does not need much water considering there is only 10-30 inches of rainfall a year in its natural habitat. That amount of water is not enough to support a lot of trees and even the Ombu plants are widely spaced because of the limited availability of water. |
(1) http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/ombu.htm [9 Nov 2007] |
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5.01 |
(1) "The Ombu is a large evergreen with an umbrella like canopy. It can have a girth of 40 to 50 feet and its height can reach 40 to 60 feet. It grows rapidly." |
(1) http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/ombu.htm |
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5.02 |
Phytolaccaceae |
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5.03 |
Phytolaccaceae |
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5.04 |
No evidence. Not in botanical description. |
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6.01 |
No evidence of reproductive failure of any kind. |
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6.02 |
(1)It can both be reproduced by seeds and cuttings." (2)"This tree is propagated by seeds." |
(1)http://bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/subs/phy-dio-sub.asp (2)http://coolexotics.com/plant-332.html |
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6.03 |
Don't know. Although a hybrid has been documented in an arboretum, there is no evidence to suggest that this has happened in a natural setting.(1) "Flowers of P. weberbaueri and a hybrid between P. weberbaueri and P. dioica are also bisexual, with a ring of numerous stamens (androecium) surrounding a multicarpellate gynoecium. … A hybrid between P. weberbaueri and P. dioica in the Palomar College Arboretum. This large tree has developed a massive trunk greater than one meter in diameter in only 25 years. " |
(1) http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ecoph24.htm |
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6.04 |
(1)The generic epithet 'dioica' alludes to the fact male and
female flowers occur on separate trees in this species |
(1)http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/SEA/Products |
|
6.05 |
(1) During the day, we seldom saw honeybees collecting pollen on staminate flowers. In both flower types, we observed during night hours small moths patrolling the inflorescences and looking for nectar. Those insects play an important role in transferring the pollen (phalaenophily). |
(1) Bernardello, Luis M.; Galetto, Leonardo; Juliani, Hector
R.1993. Nectar, nectary and floral visitors in Phytolacca dioica,
Phytolaccaceae |
|
6.06 |
(1) The spread of the tree is usually at least equal to its height and may be considerably more, sometimes to more than 100 feet in zones 10 and 11. (2) Ombu trees (also called umbu trees) grow to a height and spread of 60 feet (20 m) or more, often with multiple trunks developing from an enormous base resembling a giant pedestal. |
(1) Riffle, R. L. 1998. The Tropical Look: An Encyclopedia of Dramatic Landscape Plants. Timber Press, Portland, OR. (2) http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ecoph24.htm [9 Nov 2007] |
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6.07 |
(1) "The Ombu is a large evergreen with an umbrella like canopy. It can have a girth of 40 to 50 feet and its height can reach 40 to 60 feet. It grows rapidly." |
(1) http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/ombu.htm |
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7.01 |
No evidence that the species grows in heavy traffic areas. |
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7.02 |
Introduced to several places as an ornamental and shade tree. |
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7.03 |
Probably not - no evidence that the species grows in or around seed crops. |
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7.04 |
(1) "Fruits juicy, yellow to black berries with 10 lobes hanging in clusters; irregularly produced after flowering, each 3-7 mm; small, shiny, grey-black seeds are found inside the soft fruits." (2) It is disseminated by frugivore birds. |
(1) http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/SEA/Products |
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7.05 |
(1) "Fruits juicy, yellow to black berries with 10 lobes hanging in clusters; irregularly produced after flowering, each 3-7 mm; small, shiny, grey-black seeds are found inside the soft fruits." (2) It is disseminated by frugivore birds. |
(1) http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/SEA/Products |
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7.06 |
(1) "Fruits juicy, yellow to black berries with 10 lobes hanging in clusters; irregularly produced after flowering, each 3-7 mm; small, shiny, grey-black seeds are found inside the soft fruits." (2) It is disseminated by frugivore birds. |
(1) http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/SEA/Products |
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7.07 |
No evidence that the propagules have any means of attachment. |
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7.08 |
Possibly (1) vertebrates could also be efficient vectors for alien shrubs or trees (e.g. Pittosporum tobira (Thunb.) W.T. Aiton, Phytolacca dioica L.). |
(1) Lloret et al. 2005. Species attributes and invasion success by alien plants on Mediterranean islands Journal of Ecology 93 (3), 512–520. |
|
8.01 |
"It has greenish-white flowers that grow in long clusters. These clusters droop from the weight of the crimson, ripe berries that develop from these flowers." |
(1) http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/ombu.htm |
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8.02 |
(1)"Once extracted and dry, they can be seeded or be stored, conserving its viability at least by a year." (2)"The species may show orthodox seed storage behaviour. There are approximately 150 000 seeds/kg." |
(1)http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u= |
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8.03 |
No evidence that the species is being controlled for. |
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8.04 |
Don't know. |
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8.05 |
Don’t know. |
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This page created 29 February 2008