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

Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Poinciana pulcherrima L.); pride-of-Barbados, dwarf poinciana

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

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

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

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

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

n

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

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

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

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

n

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

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

y

8.05

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

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

5

Source

Notes

1.01

no evidence

1.02

(1)USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?8306 (02 April 2003) (2)http://www.floridata.com/ref/c/caes_pul.cfm

"cultivated & naturalized throughout tropics" (2)has escaped cultivation and become established in tropical regions throughout the world, including South Florida.

1.03

no evidence

2.01

Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Oramentals: a Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.96

"native to tropical America"

2.02

2.03

(1)http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/CAEPULA.pdf (2)http://www.floridata.com/ref/c/caes_pul.cfm (2)http://www.green-seeds.com/land_flor1.html

(1)USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11 (2)USDA Zones 8 - 11 (2)desert-adapted plants, do not do well in cool, humid environments

2.04

Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Oramentals: a Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.96

"native to tropical America"

2.05

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?8306 (02 April 2003)

"cultivated & naturalized throughout tropics"

3.01

(1)USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?8306 (02 April 2003) (2)http://www.floridata.com/ref/c/caes_pul.cfm

"cultivated & naturalized throughout tropics" (2)has escaped cultivation and become established in tropical regions throughout the world, including South Florida.

3.02

no evidence

3.03

no evidence

3.04

(1)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ST107 (2)http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/list/c.htm

(1)Invasive potential: little invasive potential (2) Taken off list at http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/list/c.htm

3.05

Alien Plants Working Group of the Plant Conservation Alliance. Invasive Alien Plants of Natural Areas -- USA-- Spreading like Wildfire without Natural Checks and Balances -- Available at: <http://www.wingsandtalons.com/invasives.htm>

Caesalpinia gilliesii is on the list of alien invasive plants as well as Caesalpinia decapetala (cat's claw vine)

4.01

Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Oramentals: a Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.96

"sometimes with thorny stems and leaves"

4.02

Jeeva, M. L. and R. Ramabadran (1995). "Effect of plant extracts on rice seed germination and seedling abnormalities caused by Sarocladium oryzae." Madras Agricultural Journal 82(5): 402-403.

AB: Extracts of Caesalpinia pulcherrima and Ipomoea crassicaulis were examined for their effect on seed germination, seedling vigour and seedling abnormalities of rice seeds infected by S. oryzae. Both extracts increased percentage seed germination. I. crassicaulis reduced abnormalities in seeds.

4.03

no evidence

4.04

(1)http://www.afforestationmanual.com/pdffiles/Extract_2.pdf (2)Aletor, V. A.; Omodara, O. A.1994. Studies on some leguminous browse plants, with particular reference to their proximate, mineral and some endogenous anti-nutritional constituents. Animal Feed Science and Technology, , .46:343-348

(1)not recognized as a fodder (2)Used as a Leguminous browse plant in Nigeria

4.05

Oduguwa, O. O., C. O. N. Ikeobi, et al. (1997). "Chemical evaluation of foliage of some tropical leguminous trees and shrubs as fodder." Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science 20(1): 31-34.

Foliage of 23 leguminous tree and shrub species (Afzelia africana, Albizia zygia, Baphia nitida, Cassia siamea [Senna siamea], Delonix regia, Parkia biglobosa, Samanea saman (syn. Albizia saman), Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Cassia mimosoides, Desmodium velutinum, Flemingia macrophylla, Tephrosia bracteolata and T. densiflora) was collected from the wild and from the Fulani cattle rearers' settlement around Abeokuta, Nigeria. It is suggested that more effort be undertaken to conserve these species as they have better nutritive potential than grasses when used as forage in the dry season.

4.06

Babu, B. G. and P. M. M. David (1999). "New host plant records and host range of the spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)." Madras Agricultural Journal 86(4/6): 305-313.

The rich collection of diversified flora at the District Science Centre, Tirunelveli was screened for infestation by the spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus during 1997-98. The survey revealed that A. dispersus did not develop on all host plants on which oviposiiton occurred. Of the 27 plants showing infestation, 19 were 'breeding hosts' while 8 were 'feeding hosts'. The following 14 are new host records: Dillenia indica, Adenanthera pavonina, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Hiptage bengalensis, Malpighia punicifolia, Solanum trilobatum, Grewia tilliaefolia [G. tiliifolia], Lantana sp., Stenolobium stans [Tecoma stans], Ipomoea obscura, Bombax ceiba, Jatropha multifida, Sterculia sp. A comprehension of list of host plants shows that the pest occurs on 187 plant species from 58 families. [generalist]

4.07

http://www.suncity-vistoso.com/Governing%20Documents/Plant%20List.htm

may be harmful if eaten

4.08

possibly -- very bushy habit, grows in dry environments

4.09

(1)http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/CAEPULA.pdf (2)http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Fabaceae/Caesalpinia_pulcherrima.html

(1)Light requirement: tree grows in part shade/part sun; tree grows in full sun (2)Full sun

4.1

http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/CAEPULA.pdf

Soil tolerances: clay; loam; sand; acidic; alkaline; well-drained

4.11

shrub

4.12

no evidence

5.01

terrestrial

5.02

shrub; Fabaceae

5.03

Pokhriyal, T. C., S. P. Chaukiyal, et al. (1997). "Nodule biomass and nitrogen fixation studies in some leguminous nitrogen fixing plants." Indian Forester 123(12): 1197-1198.

AB: Data are reported on nodule biomass and numbers per plant and nitrogenase activity for [seedlings of] 8 species growing under either field or pot conditions, all trees except for 1 climber: Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Delonix regia, Gleditsia macrantha [G. sinensis], Calliandra calothyrsus, Adenanthera microsperma, Abrus precatorius (climber), Dalbergia sericea and Erythrina blakei. Nodules were observed on all the species except for the 3 caesalpinoids (C. pulcherrima, D. regia and G. sinensis). [no reports of N-fixation found for this plant]

5.04

shrub

6.01

no evidence

6.02

Shamim Mustafa, S. R. Voleti, et al. (1999). "Influence of temperature on seed germination in three ornamental species." Journal of Ornamental Horticulture (New Series) 2(2): 89-91.

AB: Freshly harvested seeds of 3 ornamental species, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Cassia biflora and Catharanthus roseus, were sown on filter paper (Whatman no 1) or in sand medium, at 3 different temperatures, 20 deg , 25 deg and 30 deg C, in an incubator, over a period of 2 years (1995-97); In all 3 species, percentage germination was highest at 25 deg for seeds sown on filter paper and at 30 deg for seeds sown in sand. Seedling establishment was best for seeds germinated at 20 deg .

6.03

no evidence

6.04

Sarala, B. S., R. Lokesha, et al. (1999). "Anther dimorphism, differential anther dehiscence, pollen viability and pollination success in Caesalpinia pulcherrimma L. (Fabaceae)." Current Science 76(11): 1490-1494.

AB: "Self-compatible flowers of Caesalpinia pulcherrima exhibit dimorphism in respect of size of anthers"

6.05

http://www.naba.org/pubs/bgn96b/swgard.html

lures swallowtails and an occasional skipper

6.06

no evidence

6.07

http://www.floridata.com/ref/c/caes_pul.cfm

It can be grown as an annual in colder climates.

7.01

no evidence

7.02

Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Oramentals: a Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.96

widely cultivatred

7.03

no evidence

7.04

no evidence

7.05

no evidence

7.06

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ST107

Fruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife

7.07

no evidence

7.08

seed coat requires only very light scarification to trigger germination

8.01

(1)Whistler, A.W. (2000) Tropical Oramentals: a Guide. Timber Press, Inc., Portland, Oregon. 542pp. p.96 (2)http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Fabaceae/Caesalpinia_pulcherrima.html

(1)"Fruit a flattened,narrowly oblong pod; 8-12 cm" (2) about 4-10 seeds per pod [see photo, unlikely to produce 1000/m2]

8.02

Shamim Mustafa, S. R. Voleti, et al. (1999). "Influence of temperature on seed germination in three ornamental species." Journal of Ornamental Horticulture (New Series) 2(2): 89-91.

[hard legume seeds; need scarification to promote germination]

8.03

no evidence

8.04

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Fabaceae/Caesalpinia_pulcherrima.html

regrows when frozen to the ground, gardeners cut the bush to the ground at the end of November, and it will grow back green and compact in mid spring.

8.05

http://hort.ufl.edu/trees/CAEPULA.pdf

Dwarf Poinciana is susceptible to mushroom root rot, especially in poorly-drained soil.