Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)
Caesalpinia bonduc
RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: High risk, score: 12 (this species is not listed on PIER as it is native in the Pacific region)
|
Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Hawai‘i. Research directed by C. Daehler (UH Botany) with funding from the Kaulunani Urban Forestry Program and US Forest Service Information on
Risk Assessments |
Caesalpinia bonduc (seabean, gray nickarbean, nickerbean) |
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 |
y |
2.05 |
Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range? y=-2 |
?=-1, n=0 |
|
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 |
|
3.05 |
Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2) |
n=0 |
y |
4.01 |
Produces spines, thorns or burrs |
y=1, n=0 |
y |
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 |
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 |
|
4.09 |
Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle |
y=1, n=0 |
y |
4.1 |
Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island) |
y=1, n=0 |
y |
4.11 |
Climbing or smothering growth habit |
y=1, n=0 |
y |
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 |
|
6.05 |
Requires specialist pollinators |
y=-1, n=0 |
n |
6.06 |
Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation |
y=1, n=-1 |
y |
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 |
y |
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 |
y |
7.08 |
Propagules survive passage through the gut |
y=1, n=-1 |
n |
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 |
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 |
|
8.05 |
Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents) |
y=-1, n=1 |
|
Total score: |
12 |
Supporting data:
Source |
Notes |
|
1.01 |
No evidence |
|
1.02 |
(1)Gray nicker bean is established in nearly every tropical shore worldwide, including Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa (Howard 1988, Liogier 1988, Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk 2002, Vermillion 2001). It has apparently arrived at these locations by natural means, although unrecorded accidental or intentional introductions cannot be ruled out (2)native vine of Florida's central and southern coastal dunes (3)Gray nicker is a native vine of Florida's central and southern coastal dunes. It blooms summer through fall. Five species of Caesalpinia exist in Florida (Wunderlin, 1998). Gray nicker is found in FL, HI, PR, and the Virgin Islands. (4) 'Nickernuts grow wild on beaches of many Caribbean islands and are produced within unusual prickly pods on a scrambling or climbing shrub.' |
(1)http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 (2)http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/herbal/msg0208335615888.html (3)http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/caebon.html (4)http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ww0901.htm#nickernut |
1.03 |
No evidence |
|
2.01 |
(1)Gray nicker bean is established in nearly every tropical shore worldwide, including Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa (Howard 1988, Liogier 1988, Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk 2002, Vermillion 2001). It has apparently arrived at these locations by natural means, although unrecorded accidental or intentional introductions cannot be ruled out (2)native vine of Florida's central and southern coastal dunes (3)Gray nicker is a native vine of Florida's central and southern coastal dunes. It blooms summer through fall. Five species of Caesalpinia exist in Florida (Wunderlin, 1998). Gray nicker is found in FL, HI, PR, and the Virgin Islands. (4) 'Nickernuts grow wild on beaches of many Caribbean islands and are produced within unusual prickly pods on a scrambling or climbing shrub.' |
(1)http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 (2)http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/herbal/msg0208335615888.html (3)http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/caebon.html (4)http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ww0901.htm#nickernut |
2.02 |
||
2.03 |
(1)The species grows from sea level to 850 m in elevation in India (2)15-230 m in Hawaii (3)A beach plant |
(1)http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+ |
2.04 |
(1)Gray nicker bean is established in nearly every tropical shore worldwide, including Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa (Howard 1988, Liogier 1988, Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk 2002, Vermillion 2001). It has apparently arrived at these locations by natural means, although unrecorded accidental or intentional introductions cannot be ruled out (2)native vine of Florida's central and southern coastal dunes (3)Gray nicker is a native vine of Florida's central and southern coastal dunes. It blooms summer through fall. Five species of Caesalpinia exist in Florida (Wunderlin, 1998). Gray nicker is found in FL, HI, PR, and the Virgin Islands. (4) 'Nickernuts grow wild on beaches of many Caribbean islands and are produced within unusual prickly pods on a scrambling or climbing shrub.' |
(1)http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+ |
2.05 |
(1)Gray nicker bean is established in nearly every tropical shore worldwide, including Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa (Howard 1988, Liogier 1988, Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk 2002, Vermillion 2001). It has apparently arrived at these locations by natural means, although unrecorded accidental or intentional introductions cannot be ruled out (2)native vine of Florida's central and southern coastal dunes (3)Gray nicker is a native vine of Florida's central and southern coastal dunes. It blooms summer through fall. Five species of Caesalpinia exist in Florida (Wunderlin, 1998). Gray nicker is found in FL, HI, PR, and the Virgin Islands. (4) 'Nickernuts grow wild on beaches of many Caribbean islands and are produced within unusual prickly pods on a scrambling or climbing shrub.' [the native distribution is pantropical, thus those citations didn't show presence outside its native range] |
(1)http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+ |
3.01 |
[Pantropical] |
|
3.02 |
No evidence |
|
3.03 |
No evidence |
|
3.04 |
(1)"a project to investigate the control of the 13 most
aggressive species using chemical methods."; "These species are mostly woody
but include some climbers, shrubs and grasses. They are Psidium guajava
(guava), Cinchona succirubra (quinine), Lantana camara, Rubus niveus
(blackberry), Eugenia jambos (lilly pilly), Cestrum auriculatum, Passiflora
edulis, Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass), Cedrela odorata (a timber
tree), Cordia alliodora, Ochroma pyramidale (balsawood), Caesalpinia bonduc
and Kalanchoe pinnata. " |
(1)http://nb.au.com/nswweedsoc/Dec98/Galapagos.html (2)http://www.icsu-scope.org/downloadpubs/scope45/ch01-1.3.1.html (3)http://www.ftg.org/research/CAP/CAP_J._reclinata.pdf (4)http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/caebon.html (5)http://www.fau.edu/divdept/science/envsci/communities.htm |
3.05 |
Caesalpinia sepiaria is listed as a principal weed in the U.S. |
|
4.01 |
(1)Stems of Caesalpinia bonduc (Family Caesalpiniaceae), a legume shrub of sandy tropical habitats, is armed with stem prickles. (2)The stems, twigs, and leaf rachises are covered with straight or curved prickles. |
(1)http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/botanytextbooks/generalbotany/plantarmature/a0604tx.html
(2)http://216.239.57.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+ |
4.02 |
No evidence |
|
4.03 |
No evidence |
|
4.04 |
Don’t know |
|
4.05 |
(1)Caesalpinia spp. In general are listed to have toxic seeds. Mode- eaten. Toxic principle-tannins. Causes only low toxicity if eaten. (2)Each spiny seedpod contains 2 round, smooth, poisonous gray seeds [no evidence or poisoning] |
(1)http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Caesasp.htm
(2)http://216.239.57.104/search?q=cache:c-FtRJ3iSH8J:data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/deso/ppdocuments/Trail%2520Guide%2520booklet.pdf+ |
4.06 |
The following 3 pathogen were listed to be associated with C. bonduc. Phyllachora caesalpiniae, Phyllachora guanacastica and Phyllosticta bonduc.
|
http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/all/FindRecOneFungusFrame.cfm |
4.07 |
(1)Caesalpinia spp. In general are listed to have toxic seeds. Mode- eaten. Toxic principle-tannins. Causes only low toxicity if eaten. (2)Each spiny seedpod contains 2 round, smooth, poisonous gray seeds [no evidence or poisoning] |
(1)http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Caesasp.htm
(2)http://216.239.57.104/search?q=cache:c-FtRJ3iSH8J:data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/deso/ppdocuments/Trail%2520Guide%2520booklet.pdf+ |
4.08 |
No evidence - a beach plant, may also occur in inland mesic habitats, may form thickets |
|
4.09 |
Gray nicker bean is intolerant of shade and is usually open-grown or at least grows in broken sunlight. |
http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 |
4.1 |
It tolerates salt spray, salty soils, and occasional flooding with seawater. The species grows in all textures of mildly acid to alkaline soil. |
http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 |
4.11 |
(1) '...scrambling shrub to 1.5 m in height (unsupported)
and 6 m or more in extension, and has stems up to 5 cm in diameter or more.'
|
http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8
|
4.12 |
Along beaches of the British West Indies the spiny shrubs form impenetrable thickets |
http://waynesword.palomar.edu/nicker.htm |
5.01 |
Terrestrial |
|
5.02 |
||
5.03 |
(1) Legume but no evidence of nitrogen fixation. '...is a spiny, scrambling shrub to 1.5 m in height (unsupported) and 6 m or more in extension, and has stems up to 5 cm in diameter or more.' (2) AB: "Nodules were not found and could not be indicated in the Caesalpiniaceae examined. " [C. bondac is one species among them] |
(1) http://216.239.57.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 (2) Athar, M.; Mahmood, A. (1985) Qualitative study of the nodulating ability of legumes of Pakistan. List 3. Tropical Agriculture, UK, 1985, Vol.62, No.1, pp.49-51, 25 ref. |
5.04 |
No evidence |
|
6.01 |
Gray nicker bean flowers and fruits year-round in Florida. |
http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 |
6.02 |
(1) 'Seedlings form taproots and may retain them later; lateral roots are extensive.' (2)Most of the scarified seed germinated within a few days and had all germinated within 1 year. |
(1)http://216.239.57.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 (2)http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 |
6.03 |
No evidence |
|
6.04 |
Flowers unisexual |
Wagner,W. L., D. R. Herbst & S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of flowering plants of Hawaii.University of Hawaii at Press. Honolulu. |
6.05 |
Probably not - (1) 'Pollen analysis was conducted on four pressed honey samples from rock bees (Apis dorsata ) collected from the Nallamalai forest of Andhra Pradesh. The two honey samples collected during the post-monsoon period were unifloral with Citrus sp. (45.04%) and Helicteres isora (59.50). The two summer honey samples were multifloral. Secondary pollen types in the 4 honey samples were: Ailanthus excelsa , Flacourtia sp., Spondias pinnata , Sterculia urens and Helianthus annuus . Ziziphus sp., Tridax procumbens , Coriandrum sativum , Mimosa hamata , Eleusine coracana , Ageratum conyzoides , Cyanotis sp., Tamarindus indica , Caesalpinia bonduc , Pterospermum xylocarpum and Pterolobium hexapetalum were represented in all the honey samples as important pollen types.' (2)Pollen analysis was carried out on 6 squeezed honey samples collected from rock bee (Apis dorsata ) combs during the period 1982-1984. All the samples represented summer honeys from tropical dry deciduous forest tracts of the Prakasam |
(1)Lakshmi, K.; Suryanarayana, M. C. 1997. Microscopical
analysis of rock bee honeys from Nallamalai forest of Andhra Pradesh, India.
|
6.06 |
The stems layer (root) whenever they come in contact with the ground. Stems sprout when cut and lateral roots sometimes sucker. Clonal plants tend to remain attached |
http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 |
6.07 |
Don’t know |
|
7.01 |
The seed pod is prickly and could attach to animal coats or clothing. So-probably yes. (1)Nearly mature, prickly, brown seed pods. (2)Nickernuts grow wild on beaches of many Caribbean islands and are produced within unusual prickly pods (3)Picture of prickly nickerbean seed pods. (4)See picture at http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Nickerbean/caebonrs.jpg |
(1)http://www.seabean.com/guide/caesalpinia_bonduc/ (2)http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ww0901.htm#nickernut (3)http://www.sms.si.edu/IRLSpec/Caesalp_bonduc.htm |
7.02 |
The seeds have been used for centuries and are still used as jewelry, prayer beads, good luck charms, and worry stones (Rancho Leona 2002, Workman 1980). They were anciently used as standards of weight in India (Vijayanagara Coins 2002). The ancient African game of mancala traditionally employs gray nicker beans as game pieces (Driedges 1972). The species is sometimes planted as a hedge to prevent undesired entry into property (Nelson 1996) and could be planted for dune stabilization.' |
http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 |
7.03 |
The seeds have been used for centuries and are still used as jewelry, prayer beads, good luck charms, and worry stones (Rancho Leona 2002, Workman 1980). They were anciently used as standards of weight in India (Vijayanagara Coins 2002). The ancient African game of mancala traditionally employs gray nicker beans as game pieces (Driedges 1972). The species is sometimes planted as a hedge to prevent undesired entry into property (Nelson 1996) and could be planted for dune stabilization.' |
http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-9 |
7.04 |
Gray nicker bean seeds are apparently carried to sea by floods and storm surges where they float until deposited on shore. The seeds are found on beaches in northern Scotland and are known to be able to float in sea water for as long as 19 years |
http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 |
7.05 |
Gray nicker bean seeds are apparently carried to sea by floods and storm surges where they float until deposited on shore. The seeds are found on beaches in northern Scotland and are known to be able to float in sea water for as long as 19 years |
http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-9 |
7.06 |
Gray nicker bean seeds are apparently carried to sea by floods and storm surges where they float until deposited on shore. The seeds are found on beaches in northern Scotland and are known to be able to float in sea water for as long as 19 years |
http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-10 |
7.07 |
The seed pod is prickly and could attach to animal coats or clothing. So-probably yes. (1)Nearly mature, prickly, brown seed pods. (2)Nickernuts grow wild on beaches of many Caribbean islands and are produced within unusual prickly pods (3)Picture of prickly nickerbean seed pods. (4)See picture at http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Nickerbean/caebonrs.jpg |
(1)http://www.seabean.com/guide/caesalpinia_bonduc/ (2)http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ww0901.htm#nickernut (3)http://www.sms.si.edu/IRLSpec/Caesalp_bonduc.htm |
7.08 |
Gray nicker bean seeds are apparently carried to sea by floods and storm surges where they float until deposited on shore. The seeds are found on beaches in northern Scotland and are known to be able to float in sea water for as long as 19 years |
http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-12 |
8.01 |
large seeds. (1)'The large gray seeds of this legume, Caesalpinia bonduc (Family Caesalpiniaceae), are exposed when the spine-covered fruit splits open. (2) 1.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter. |
(1)http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/botanytextbooks/generalbotany/plantarmature/a0603tx.html (2)http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/1000/Drifters.html |
8.02 |
(1) Most of the scarified seed germinated within a few days
and had all germinated within 1 year. By 16 months, 23 of the fresh,
unscarified seeds had germinated and just one of the weathered, unscarified
seeds had germinated. … The seeds are found on beaches in northern Scotland
and are known to be able to float in sea water for as long as 19 years.
..The scarifying action of sand, weathering, insects or rodents eventually
allows water to enter the seeds and they germinate and establish themselves
in the new environments |
http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8
|
8.03 |
Control could probably be obtained by lopping with a machete followed by herbicide treatment of the sprouts |
http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:FAjLgMG3-j8J:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/Caesalpinia%2520bonduc.pdf+Caesalpinia+bonduc&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 |
8.04 |
No evidence |
|
8.05 |
Don’t know |
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This page updated 30 September 2005