Cassia roxburghii DC. Family - Fabaceae. Common Names(s) - Red Cassia. Synonym(s) - Cassia marginata Roxb.

Answer

Score

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

0

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

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

0

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

y

1

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range?

y=-2, ?=-1, n=0

n

3.01

Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05

n

0

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

3.03

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

n=0

n

0

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.09

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

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.10

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

0

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

y

1

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

1

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

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

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

n

-1

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

8.02

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

y=1, n=-1

y

1

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:

-4

Notes

Source

1.01

(1)No evidence of substantial domestication

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1)native to hot, dry areas of southern India and Sri Lanka.

(1)Rauch, F. D., and P. R. Weissich. 2009. Small Trees for the Tropical Landscape. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu

2.02

(1)native to hot, dry areas of southern India and Sri Lanka.

(1)Rauch, F. D., and P. R. Weissich. 2009. Small Trees for the Tropical Landscape. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu

2.03

(1)zones 9-11

(1)Llamas, K. A. 2003. Tropical flowering plants: a guide to identification and cultivation. Timber Press, Portland

2.04

(1)native to hot, dry areas of southern India and Sri Lanka.

(1)Rauch, F. D., and P. R. Weissich. 2009. Small Trees for the Tropical Landscape. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu

2.05

(1)Red cassia is native to Sri Lanka and southern India. It is uncommon in cultivation, especially in the West. [no evidence of repeated introductions outside native range] (2)A shrub or small tree to 6 m high. Native of Ceylon, and dispersed to many tropical countries including W Africa - often under the synonym C. marginata Roxb.

(1)Floridata. 2010. #876 Cassia roxburghii. http://www.floridata.com/ref/C/cass_rox.cfm [Accessed 06 May 2010] (2)Aluka. Entry for Cassia roxburghii DC. http://www.aluka.org/action/showMetadata?doi=10.5555/AL.AP.UPWTA.3_139&pgs=&cookieSet=1 [Accessed 06 May 2010]

3.01

(1)No evidence of naturalization outside native range

(1)Randall, R. 2007. Global Compendium of Weeds. http://www.hear.org/gcw/ [Accessed 06 May 2010]

3.02

(1)No evidence of weediness or invasiveness

(1)Randall, R. 2007. Global Compendium of Weeds. http://www.hear.org/gcw/ [Accessed 06 May 2010]

3.03

(1)No evidence of weediness or invasiveness

(1)Randall, R. 2007. Global Compendium of Weeds. http://www.hear.org/gcw/ [Accessed 06 May 2010]

3.04

(1)No evidence of weediness or invasiveness

(1)Randall, R. 2007. Global Compendium of Weeds. http://www.hear.org/gcw/ [Accessed 06 May 2010]

3.05

(1)Several species of Cassia are listed as weeds, but the majority have been transferred to the genus Senna. No negative impacts of Cassia species were found. (2)Most weedy Cassia species are now in the genus Senna

(1)Randall, R. 2007. Global Compendium of Weeds. http://www.hear.org/gcw/ [Accessed 06 May 2010] (2)USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database]. National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. URL: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl [Accessed 06 May 2010]

4.01

(1)No evidence of spines, thorns or burrs

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

4.02

(1)No evidence of allelopathy

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

4.03

(1)Tree to 10(15) m. [not parasitic]

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

4.04

(1)Table 5.3. Important woody plants consumed by elephants in Sri Lanka [includes Cassia roxburghii]

(1)Sukumar, R. 1993. The Asian elephant: ecology and management. Cambridge Univ Press, Cambridge

4.05

(1)Table 5.3. Important woody plants consumed by elephants in Sri Lanka [includes Cassia roxburghii] [no evidence of poisons or toxicity]

(1)Sukumar, R. 1993. The Asian elephant: ecology and management. Cambridge Univ Press, Cambridge

4.06

Unknown

4.07

(1)The aerial distribution of the pollen grains Cassia species was found to be predominant in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the adjacent states of South India. The present study deals with the allergenicity and biochemical aspects of four different species of Cassia which were found to be dominant in the atmosphere of India. The pollen grains of Cassia occidentalis were found to be the most and Cassia roxburghii the least reactive of the four different species studied. The individual analysis of the reactive patients also showed the possibilities of cross-reactivity. The protein, carbohydrate and amino acids of these members were analysed. The results obtained are useful as a step towards standardization of allergen extracts of Cassia species and are also worthy of further investigations both in relation to cross-reactivity and characterization of allergens. [no other evidence of toxins or allergens]

(1)Satheesh, R., R. Prakashkumar, J. C. Jose, P. K. K. Nair, and G. R. Rao. 1994. Studies on Cassia Pollen Grains of India. International archives of allergy and immunology 103:280-285

4.08

(1)native to hot, dry areas of southern India and Sri Lanka. [although native to dry areas, no evidence of increased fire risk]

(1)Rauch, F. D., and P. R. Weissich. 2009. Small Trees for the Tropical Landscape. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu

4.09

(1)Light preference: Full Sun

(1)Haynes, J., J. McLaughlin, L. Vasquez, and A. Hunsberger. 2001. Low-Maintenance Landscape Plants for South Florida1. Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida

4.10

(1)Most of the cassias do well in well-drained soils with regular watering.

(1)Floridata. 2010. #876 Cassia roxburghii. http://www.floridata.com/ref/C/cass_rox.cfm [Accessed 06 May 2010]

4.11

(1)Tree to 10(15) m.

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

4.12

(1)Cassia roxburghii (Wa) are isolated trees that are scattered in proposed land [no evidence of dense thicket formation]

(1)ayaweera, M. (n.d.). Environmental Management Plan for the Advanced Technical Institute Vavuniya, Sri Lanka. Retrieved from http://www.irque.lk/Mis/EMP%20-%20Vavuniya.pdf. [06 May 2010]

5.01

(1)Tree to 10(15) m [terrestrial]

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

5.02

(1)Fabaceae

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

5.03

(1)Fabaceae

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

5.04

(1)Tree to 10(15) m [not a geophyte]

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

6.01

(1)No evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

6.02

(1)The fruit is a typical legume: it is cylindrical and indehiscent (does not split open by itself), 8-12 in (20.3-30.5 cm) long, less than 1 in (2.5 cm) in diameter, and bears many seeds separated by papery partitions...Propagation: Propagate cassias by seed which should be scarified and/or soaked overnight before planting.

(1)Floridata. 2010. #876 Cassia roxburghii. http://www.floridata.com/ref/C/cass_rox.cfm [Accessed 06 May 2010]

6.03

Unknown

6.04

Unknown

6.05

(1)The flowers are quite small, little more than 1 inch across, with five petals, two of which are often slightly larger. The calyx is pink and the nine stamens are in three groups; three are very long and curved, the next four are less than half that length and all bear red anthers. The remaining two are very short and have yellow anthers.
The flowers are more of a salmon-pink than the other Cassias and each petal is delicately veined with green, the pink becoming deeper as the flower ages. The bracts at the bases of the flower stalks are palegreen and the calices pink. Each leaf bears from five to ten pairs of small leaflets, oblong and blunt ended. [pollinators unknown, but flowers unspecialized]

(1)Australian Seed and Plant. Cassia marginata. http://www.australianseed.com/product_info.php/pName/cassia-marginata-red-shower-tree/cName/seeds-of-the-world [Accessed 06 May 2010]

6.06

(1)The fruit is a typical legume: it is cylindrical and indehiscent (does not split open by itself), 8-12 in (20.3-30.5 cm) long, less than 1 in (2.5 cm) in diameter, and bears many seeds separated by papery partitions...Propagation: Propagate cassias by seed which should be scarified and/or soaked overnight before planting. [no evidence of reproduction by vegetative fragmentation]

(1)Floridata. 2010. #876 Cassia roxburghii. http://www.floridata.com/ref/C/cass_rox.cfm [Accessed 06 May 2010]

6.07

Unknown

7.01

(1)Pod oblong, terete, 20-30 x 2 cm; torulose, indehiscent [no means of external attachment]

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

7.02

(1)Unusual but highly recommended [ornamental]

(1)Llamas, K. A. 2003. Tropical flowering plants: a guide to identification and cultivation. Timber Press, Portland

7.03

(1)Pod oblong, terete, 20-30 x 2 cm; torulose, indehiscent [unlikely, large pods and seeds]

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

7.04

(1)Fruit is a long pod, cylindrical and indehiscent. Seeds many. [no adaptations for wind dispersal]

(1)Floridata. 2010. #876 Cassia roxburghii. http://www.floridata.com/ref/C/cass_rox.cfm [Accessed 06 May 2010]

7.05

(1)Pod oblong, terete, 20-30 x 2 cm; torulose, indehiscent [unknown if pods are buoyant, but distribution in hot, dry parts of India suggests no water dispersal]

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

7.06

(1)Pod oblong, terete, 20-30 x 2 cm; torulose, indehiscent [not fleshy fruited]

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

7.07

(1)Pod oblong, terete, 20-30 x 2 cm; torulose, indehiscent [no means of external attachment]

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

7.08

(1)Pod oblong, terete, 20-30 x 2 cm; torulose, indehiscent [no evidence that seed pods or seeds are consumed]

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

8.01

(1)Tree to 10(15) m….Pod oblong, terete, 20-30 x 2 cm; torulose, indehiscent [unlikely given fairly large seed pods & large seeds]

(1)Matthew, K. M. 1995. An excursion flora of central Tamilnadu, India. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

8.02

(1)The results of the present study demonstrate the beneficial effects of a number of pre-sowing treatments in improving the germination of Cassia grandis, Cassia siamea, Cassia javanica and Cassia roxburghii and it is evident that seed treatments are necessary to overcome dormancy. There was a highly significant difference between the different germination treatments for Cassia siamea and Cassia roxburghii. [many hard-seeds legumes persist in soil for long periods of time]

(1)Al-Menaie, H. S., O. Al-Ragom, A. Al-Shatti, and M. Mathew. 2009. Germination Behavior of Seeds of Four Flowering Trees of the Genus Cassia under Arid Climatic Conditions of Kuwait. European Journal of Scientific Research 38:373-379

8.03

Unknown [no evidence of control of species anywhere]

8.04

Unknown

8.05

Unknown