Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)

Thespesia populnea

RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: High risk, score: 9 (this species is not listed on PIER as it is native or an early introduction in the Pacific region)

Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Hawai‘i.
Information on Risk Assessments
Original risk assessment
  Thespesia populnea (Pacific rosewood) Synonym- Hibiscus populneus- Malvaceae - milo (hawaii) Answer Score
1.01 Is the species highly domesticated? n 0
1.02 Has the species become naturalized where grown? y  
1.03 Does the species have weedy races? 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” 2  
2.02 Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high)                 see appendix 2 1  
2.03 Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility) n 0
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) y 4
3.05 Congeneric weed                                                          y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2) n 0
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 n -1
4.05 Toxic to animals n 0
4.06 Host for recognized pests and pathogens y 1
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 y 1
4.1 Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island) n 0
4.11 Climbing or smothering growth habit n 0
4.12 Forms dense thickets y 1
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    
6.04 Self-compatible or apomictic    
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 1 1
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 y 1
7.05 Propagules water dispersed y 1
7.06 Propagules bird dispersed n -1
7.07 Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally) n -1
7.08 Propagules survive passage through the gut n -1
8.01 Prolific seed production (>1000/m2) n -1
8.02 Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr) n -1
8.03 Well controlled by herbicides    
8.04 Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire y 1
8.05 Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)    
  Total score:   9

Supporting data:

Notes

Reference

1.01

No evidence

1.02

(1) 'It is indigenous to tropical Asia, but has been widely planted throughout tropical regions, including Africa, and coastal woodlands in the Caribbean and elsewhere in the Neotropics. ' (2) 'Probably it originated in India, but is a common plant of coastal strands across Old World tropics. It has naturalised in Florida and West Indies; it is also cultivated occasionally in Central and South America and has probably naturalised there. '

(1)Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005. (2)http://www.hibiscus.org/species/tpopulnea.php

1.03

No evidence.

2.01

'It is indigenous to tropical Asia, but has been widely planted throughout tropical regions, including Africa, and coastal woodlands in the Caribbean and elsewhere in the Neotropics. '

Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005.

2.02

(1) 'Probably it originated in India, but is a common plant of coastal strands across Old World tropics. It has naturalised in Florida and West Indies; it is also cultivated occasionally in Central and South America and has probably naturalised there. '

(1)http://www.hibiscus.org/species/tpopulnea.php (2)Staples, W George and Derral H Herbst. 2005. A Tropical Garden Flora. Bishop Museum Press. Honolulu. Hawaii. Page 393

2.03

(1) 'Altitude range: 0 - 100 m
- Mean annual rainfall: 500 - 1600 mm
- Dry season duration: 0 - 8 months
- Mean maximum temperature of hottest month: 26 - 28ºC
- Mean minimum temperature of coldest month: 18 - 26ºC
- Absolute minimum temperature: > 2ºC' (2)USDA zone - 11.

(1)Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005. (2)http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/56167/index.html

2.04

'It is indigenous to tropical Asia, but has been widely planted throughout tropical regions, including Africa, and coastal woodlands in the Caribbean and elsewhere in the Neotropics. '

Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005.

2.05

(1) 'It is indigenous to tropical Asia, but has been widely planted throughout tropical regions, including Africa, and coastal woodlands in the Caribbean and elsewhere in the Neotropics. ' (2) 'Probably it originated in India, but is a common plant of coastal strands across Old World tropics. It has naturalised in Florida and West Indies; it is also cultivated occasionally in Central and South America and has probably naturalised there. '

(1)Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005. (2)http://www.hibiscus.org/species/tpopulnea.php

3.01

(1) 'It is indigenous to tropical Asia, but has been widely planted throughout tropical regions, including Africa, and coastal woodlands in the Caribbean and elsewhere in the Neotropics. ' (2) 'Probably it originated in India, but is a common plant of coastal strands across Old World tropics. It has naturalised in Florida and West Indies; it is also cultivated occasionally in Central and South America and has probably naturalised there. '

(1)Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005. (2)http://www.hibiscus.org/species/tpopulnea.php

3.02

Weedy in cultivated landscapes in Florida.

http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Thespesia-milo.pdf

3.03

No evidence

3.04

(1) ' It has taken over beaches used by nesting sea turtles on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.' (2)Naturalized in Flordia shore hammocks and sand dunes by 1933, with spreading lower branches making "almost impenetrable thickets" and large fruit crops continuously increasing its dense growth. Noted as commonly naturalized in coastal areas of South Florida and the Keys. Now a common constituent of mangrove communities and low wave-action beaches. Sometimes forms forests of seedlings at the high-tide line. Reported from natural areas, including Everglades National Park, in Monore, Dade, Collier, Lee, Palm Beach, and Martin counties. Also weedy in cultivated landscapes.' (3)Listed as invasive in FLorida - Category I weed - "invading and disrupting native plant communities in Florida". (4)The tree seeds prolifically, and seeds are easily dispersed by ocean currents. It grows in dense thickets of a size that tend to exclude other plants but do not produce seeds of a size that would make harvesting attractive. The tree has taken over beaches used by nesting sea turtles in the West Indies.

(1)http://www.hibiscus.org/species/tpopulnea.php (2)http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/thepop.pdf (3)Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. 1999. Invasive Plant List(http://www.fleppc.org/, August 7, 2006). Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Florida. (4)http://www.

3.05

No evidence

4.01

No evidence of such structures.

(1)Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005. (2)http://www.hibiscus.org/species/tpopulnea.php

4.02

(1) 'Experiments were conducted to assess the allelopathic effects of aqueous leaf extracts of 14 agroforestry species, using germination and seedling growth of rice cv. Jyothi and cowpeas cv. Kanakamony as bioassays. Results indicated that all extracts inhibited rice germination (9-33%) and plumule (28-85%) and radicle (25-99%) elongation, with Ailanthus triphysa, Tamarindus indica, Acacia auriculiformis and Thespesia populnea having most effect. Seven species inhibited cowpea germination (4-38%), and plumule ( <= 84%) and radicle ( <= 95%) growth, and of these, Eucalyptus tereticornis and T. indica had the strongest effects. The possible biochemical bases of the allelopathic effects of the extracts are discussed.' [Abstract]. (2) 'A study was conducted to investigate the allelopathic effects of accumulated tree leaf litter on the germination and growth of agricultural crops. The leaf litter of mature trees of Eucalyptus tereticornis, Ailanthus triphysa, Bombax malabaricum [B. ceiba], Myristica fragrans, Artocarpus hirsutus, Thespesia populnea and Anacardium occidentale was collected, cleaned and powdered coarsely. The powdered leaf litter was mixed with sand in the ratio of 1:10 and placed in pots with 25 seeds of either rice cv. Jyothi or Vigna unguiculata cv. Kankamony. Germination and seedling growth were assessed 7 days after sowing. The leaf litter of all tree species inhibited the germination of rice, the maximum with A. triphysa and the least with A. occidentale. Leaf litter application also significantly suppressed plumule length and radicle growth. The radicle failed to grow when treated with A. triphysa leaf litter, while E. tereticornis leaf litter resulted in the greatest inhibition of root growth. V. unguiculata was affected in the same ways as rice but to a lesser extent. Germination was least in seeds treated with the litter of M. fragrans and A. triphysa. The allelopathic affects are discussed in relation to volatile terpenes and water soluble inhibitors within the leaves. It is concluded that allelopathic interactions may occur through the leaching of inhibitors and decay of fallen leaves. Implications for agroforestry management are suggested including the selection of trees with the least inhibitory allelopathic activity and intercropping techniques.' [Answere no because inspite of experimental tests no evidence of allelopathic effects under natural conditions].

(1)Allelopathic effect of leaf leachates of multipurpose trees . By: John, J.; Allelopathy Journal 6 (1), 1999, p.81-86 (Journal article) (2)Allelopathic effect of leaf litter of multipurpose trees on crops . By: John, J.; Allelopathy Journal 5 (2),

4.03

No evidence

4.04

Low palatability to browsing and grazing animals.

http://plants.nrcs.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi?earl=plant_attribute.cgi&symbol=THPO3

4.05

Not toxic.

http://plants.nrcs.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi?earl=plant_attribute.cgi&symbol=THPO3

4.06

The following fungi and insect pests were listed to be associated with T. populnea: Fomes pachyphloeus, Phellinus noxius (brown tea root disease), Phomopsis theae (branch canker of tea), Anthonomus grandis (Mexican cotton boll weevil), Dysdercus cingulatus (red cotton stainer), Oxycarenus laetus (dusty cotton stainer), Pyroderces simplex. Planting T. populnea is outlawed, or strongly discouraged, in some cotton-growing areas, as it is an alternative host of several damaging cotton pests, including the cotton weevil (Anthonomus grandis grandis), the red cotton bug (Dysdercus cingulatus), the Indian dusky cotton bug (Oxycarenus laetus), and Pyroderces simplex. (2) Anthonomus grandis - 'Q. What is the Boll Weevil Eradication Program?
A. This program is a cooperative effort in which the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and State officials work with cotton growers to eradicate the boll weevil, in incremental stages, from the United States. Since 1892, when it first entered this country, the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis Boheman) has plagued U.S. cotton farmers. Boll weevil eradication began with a successful trial program in North Carolina and Virginia in 1978-1980. Since then, this program has expanded to include cotton acreage in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and adjacent areas of northwest Mexico. Approximately 95 percent of all U.S. cotton is currently covered by the program, and the remaining areas are likely to be included in the near future.'

(1)Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005. (2)http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/fsheet_faq_notice/faq_phbweevil.html

4.07

(1)Probably not - 'The leaf and flower buds are said to be edible raw or cooked. The seeds are applied to scabies and other skin diseases, and are rubbed on swollen joints. The yellowish juice extracted from young fruits is used to treat insect bites, gonorrhea, ringworm, and migraine headache , and is also used for fistula, psoriasis, scabies, sprains, and wart removal.' (2)Not toxic

(1)http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/dictionary/tico/t.html (2)http://plants.nrcs.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi?earl=plant_attribute.cgi&symbol=THPO3

4.08

Probably not - evergreen tree, grows in seaside habitats around the world.

 

4.09

Sun exposure - full shade.

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/56167/index.html

4.10

(1) 'It prefers well-drained sandy, gravelly and rocky soils derived from coral limestone and volcanic parent materials, and it is salt-tolerant.' (2)Milo thrives on sandy coastal soils but also grows on volcanic soils, soils derived from limestone, and rocky head-lands. It does not do well on upland, acidic clays.

(1)Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005. (2)http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Thespesia-milo.pdf

4.11

No evidence of a climbing habit.

4.12

 (1)'Naturalized in Flordia shore hammocks and sand dunes by 1933, with spreading lower branches making "almost impenetrable thickets" and large fruit crops continuously increasing its dense growth. Noted as commonly naturalized in coastal areas of South Florida and the Keys. Now a common constituent of mangrove communities and low wave-action beaches. Sometimes forms forests of seedlings at the high-tide line. Reported from natural areas, including Everglades National Park, in Monore, Dade, Collier, Lee, Palm Beach, and Martin counties. Also weedy in cultivated landscapes.' (2) Milo regenerates rapidly from seed and forms thickets (also photo of milo thicket). (3) 'This evergreen shrubby tree spreads its lower branches to create impenetrable thickets and large fruit crops.'

(1)http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/thepop.pdf (2)http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Thespesia-milo.pdf (3)http://wetlandextension.ifas.ufl.edu/exoticspecies.htm

5.01

A small to medium sized evergreen tree which reaches upto 18 m in height.

Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005.

5.02

5.03

Does not fix nitrogen.

http://plants.nrcs.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi?earl=plant_attribute.cgi&symbol=THPO3

5.04

6.01

'In India growth is reported to be rapid, and it flowers and fruits throughout the year.'

Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005.

6.02

'T. populnea can be easily raised from seed and from cuttings.'

Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005.

6.03

 'The pantropical Thespesia populnea is shown to be clearly separable into two species: T. populnea, which is pantropical on seashores, and T. populneoides of the Indian Ocean area, extending to Hainan Island, usually, but not always, somewhat inland. Hybrids between the two species occur where their ranges touch, and in Ceylon some of these hybrids have been widely propagated vegetatively as ornamentals and 'living fence-posts'. The two species are described and a key is given.

Thespesia populnea (L.) Solander ex Correa and Thespesia populneoides (Roxburgh) Kosteletsky (Malvaceae) . By: Fosberg, F. R.; Smithsonian Contributions to Botany, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC (7), 1972, 13pp. (Miscellaneous)

6.04

6.05

 Probably not - 'Results are reported of a short preliminary survey of plants and their pollinators in the Indian Ocean atoll Aldabra. Specialized plant-pollinator relations were rare; Megachile seychellensis visited Lomatophyllum aldabrense frequently and was not found on other species. The sunbird Nectarinia sovimanga, and the cetoniid beetle Mansoleopsis adalbrensis, visited many species. The beetle visited 58% of all species in flower, but on each foraging flight exhibited high floral constancy. This is similar to the behaviour of the bee Xylocopa darwinii on the Galapagos Islands. The only large bee seen on Adalbra was X. calens which visited Thespesia populnea and Cordia subcordata. P. Walker.'

The role of unspecialized pollinators in the reproductive success of Aldabran plants . By: Woodell, S. R. J.; Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, B 286 (1011), 1979, p.99-108 (Journal article)

6.06

Vegetative spread rate - none.

http://plants.nrcs.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi?earl=plant_attribute.cgi&symbol=THPO3

6.07

Flowering may begin in trees as young as 1 to 2 years old.

http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Thespesia-milo.pdf

7.01

Probably not - no evidence that the propagules have any means of attachment.

  

7.02

(1) 'It is a sacred tree in many parts of the Pacific, often planted near temples, and is also grown as an ornamental and roadside tree.' (2)T. populnea has a wide range of uses. These vary from use as a food plant or for medicine to use of the timber fo

(1)Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005. (2)http://www.hibiscus.org/species/tpopulnea.php

7.03

(1) 'It is a sacred tree in many parts of the Pacific, often planted near temples, and is also grown as an ornamental and roadside tree.' (2)T. populnea has a wide range of uses. These vary from use as a food plant or for medicine to use of the timber for craft. The plant also produces rope and dye and is used as a shade tree and as a windbreak. [Yes, because desirable charactreistics].

(1)Wagner, W. L. Herbst, D. L. and Sohmer, S. H. 1990. Manual of Flowering Plants of Hawaii. University of Hawaii Press. Honolulu.Volume 1 Page 902. (2)http://www.hibiscus.org/species/tpopulnea.php

7.04

'The brown hariy seeds are about 1 cm (0.4 in) long and 0.6 cm (0.2 in) broad. Seeds are blown short distances by wind but are more likely to be dispersed by water.'

http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Thespesia-milo.pdf

7.05

 (1)'The seed floats in sea water, and can remain viable in sea water for more than a year, making natural distribution by sea currents possible.' (2)The fruits and seeds are buoyant, adapted to long-distance dispersal by tides and ocean currents. Both the capsules and the hard seeds are buoyant and can be dispersed to very long distances by sea water.

(1)Forestry Compendium [Online database]. © CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 2005. (2)http://www.hibiscus.org/species/tpopulnea.php

7.06

No evidence of bird dispersal. Fruit is a undehiscing capsule.

7.07

No evidence that the propagules have any means of attachment.

7.08

No evidence of ingestion by animals.

8.01

Milo in warmer areas flowers and fruits throughout the year. [But answered no because- relavtively large seeds: (1)Seeds grayish brown, 8-15 mm long. (2)The grayish brown seeds, 0.7 to 1.2 cm long (1/4 to 1/2 inch) - no evidence that the seed fall within a season covers 1000 seeds/ m sq.]

(1)Wagner, W. L. Herbst, D. L. and Sohmer, S. H. 1990. Manual of Flowering Plants of Hawaii. University of Hawaii Press. Honolulu.Volume 1 Page 902. (2)http://www.hibiscus.org/species/tpopulnea.php

8.02

Probably not - 'Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible.'

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/56167/index.html

8.03

8.04

Ability to resprout.

http://plants.nrcs.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi?earl=plant_attribute.cgi&symbol=THPO3

8.05

Don’t know.

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This page created 26 December 2006