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

Merremia tuberosa (wood rose, yellow morning glory)

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

y

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

y

3.05

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

n=0

y

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

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

y

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

y

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

4.1

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

y=1, n=0

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

y

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

y

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

3

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

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

y

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:

12

Source

Notes

1.01

No evidence

1.02

Naturalized in Hawaii, Guam, Saipan and Florida.

(1)http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm (2)http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/derm/environment/badplants/plant%20descriptions/woodrose.htm

1.03

No evidence

2.01

(1)Introduced to Florida. (2) 'The pantropical but widely introduced Merremia tuberosa (L.) Rendle is believed to be native only in Mexico and Central America (including Costa Rica),…'

(1)http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/derm/environment/badplants/plant%20descriptions/woodrose.htm (2)http://www.inbio.ac.cr/papers/manual_plantas/jan99/jan99lit.html

2.02

2.03

It grows in open mesic forests from sea level to 1,400 m.

http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm

2.04

Native range: Probably Tropical America

http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm

2.05

(1)Introduced to Florida. (2) 'The pantropical but widely introduced Merremia tuberosa (L.) Rendle is believed to be native only in Mexico and Central America (including Costa Rica),…'

(1)http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/derm/environment/badplants/plant%20descriptions/woodrose.htm (2)http://www.inbio.ac.cr/papers/manual_plantas/jan99/jan99lit.html

3.01

Naturalized in Hawaii, Guam, Saipan and Florida.

(1)http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm (2)http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/derm/environment/badplants/plant%20descriptions/woodrose.htm

3.02

No evidence

3.03

No evidence

3.04

(1)A problem species in Hawai‘i, observed to be weakly to moderately invasive on Guam and Saipan. (2)Woodrose is an extremely aggressive vine in hardwood forests where it grows rampantly and smothers native trees and shrubs. (3)Invades hardwood forests, cultivated grounds, and overgrown disturbed sites in Florida (4)This light-loving, perennial vine can smother tall forest canopies...Wood rose grows in open mesic forests from sea level to 1,400 m. Many areas of Kaua'i are infested, e.g., Puhi, west of Lihu'e.

(1)http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm (2)http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/derm/environment/badplants/plant%20descriptions/woodrose.htm (3)https://www.denix.osd.mil/denix/Public/ES-Programs/Conservation/Invasive/appendices.html (4)http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/cw_smith/mer_tub.htm

3.05

Merremia unbellata is a common weed of Trinidatad

Holm et al. A Geographic Atlas of World Wees

4.01

No evidence

Wagner,W. L., D. R. Herbst & S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of flowering plants of Hawaii.University of Hawaii at Press. Honolulu.

4.02

[concentrated extracts in lab study only] 'From the roots of Merremia dissecta (Jacq.) Hallier, M. tuberosa (L.) Rendle, Turbina corymbosa (L.) Raf. and Operculina pinnatifida (H.B.K.) O'Don, resins were isolated which are characteristic of the Convolvulaceae. The allelopathic activity of these resins as well as their antibacterial effect were determined. The four species analyzed showed allelopathic activity on the radicle growth of amaranth, wheat and oats, but they had no antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis.'

Perez-Amador-M-C; Garcia-Argaez-A; Contreras-C; Herrera-J; Rios-M. 1998. Resins of four species of Convolvulaceae and their allelopathic potential. Phyton-Buenos-Aires. 62 (1-2) 195-198.

4.03

No evidence

4.04

No evidence

4.05

(1)Toxic to pets (2)Toxic to rabbits

(1)http://www.dublinvet.com/petinfo/toxicplants.htm (2)www.allearssac.org/poison.html

4.06

'The biology of Aspidomorpha miliaris (F.) was investigated in the Philippines, where it is a serious pest of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas). The beetle feeds heavily on the leaves of this crop, often stripping them and thus reducing the growth and vitality of the plant, and was also found to feed on I. purpurea, Merremia tuberosa, I. aquatica, I. alba, M. gamella and Capsicum frutescens (green peppers). [Aspidomorpha miliaris was not found to be a recognized pest beyond this one study].

Baltazar, E. P. 1970. Biological study of Aspidomorpha miliaris (Fabricius) (Chrysomelidae, Coleoptera), with a consideration of its host range and natural enemies. Philippine Entomologist, Vol.1, No.5, pp.365-377.

4.07

(1)All parts of this plant can be toxic and should not be ingested. (2)Moderate Toxicity (3)Promoted as a legal high:LSD-like experience with extreme lassitude. Nausea may be experienced during first hour or two. Total experience last about 6 hours. Tranquil feelings may continue for 12 or more hours afterwards.

(1)http://www.shaman-australis.com/Website/Merremiatuberosa.htm (2)http://www.cgspouses.net/gardening/poisonkid.html (3)http://www.totse.com/en/drugs/otc/drglist.html

4.08

No information on fire ecology.

4.09

(1)This light-loving, perennial vine can smother tall forest canopies. (2)Seeds germinate in the low light levels of mature forests and quickly form extensive populations. (3)sunny places are preferred (4)full sun

(1)http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm (2)http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/derm/environment/badplants/plant%20descriptions/woodrose.htm (3)Whistler, W.A. 2000. Tropical Ornamentals. Timber Press, Portland (4)http://www.mgawc.org/Aprilplantlist.htm

4.1

Fertile, well-drained soils

Whistler, W.A. 2000. Tropical Ornamentals. Timber Press, Portland

4.11

This light-loving, perennial vine can smother tall forest canopies.

http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm

4.12

No evidence

5.01

5.02

5.03

5.04

Glabrous climber with tuberous roots.' Perennial vine in Convolvulaceae.

http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm

6.01

'Seeds germinate in the low light levels of mature forests and quickly form extensive populations.'

http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/derm/environment/badplants/plant%20descriptions/woodrose.htm

6.02

'Seeds germinate in the low light levels of mature forests and quickly form extensive populations.'

http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/derm/environment/badplants/plant%20descriptions/woodrose.htm

6.03

No information on hybridization

6.04

No information

6.05

Pollination if the family Convolvulaceae is generally by bees.

http://www.fau.edu/divdept/biology/people/daustin/convolv.html

6.06

(1) 'Mostly distributed by humans from discarded cuttings and floral arrangements containing seeds.' (2)rarely roots at nodes

(1)http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm (2)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_WG209

6.07

The vine will flower the second and subsequent years.

http://www.totse.com/en/drugs/psychedelics/growhalu.html

7.01

Probably not as the seeds do not have any means of attachment.

7.02

(1)Often cultivated for its ornamental flowers and fruits. (2)Very showy, trumpet-shaped, 2 inch long, bright yellow flowers are produced several times a year.

(1)http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm (2)http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/derm/environment/badplants/plant%20descriptions/woodrose.htm

7.03

Probably not as the seeds are relatively large - 1.5 cm long.

http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm

7.04

'Other fruits are indehiscent (tribes Erycibeae, Poraneae) or split irregularly (Merremia discoidesperma, M. tuberosa).' [The seeds do not have and adaptation for wind dispersal - the probably fall to the ground by gravity. ]

http://www.fau.edu/divdept/biology/people/daustin/convolv.html

7.05

Large seeds might float?

7.06

unlikely

7.07

unlikely

7.08

8.01

'...seeds 1.5 cm long, ovoid, dull black, pubescent on angles.'

http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm

8.02

(1)Seeds remain viable for years. (2)Seeds remain viable for long periods and may sprout in profusion following tree fall, storm damage, or other forest disturbance

(1)http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm (2)http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/derm/environment/badplants/plant%20descriptions/woodrose.htm

8.03

(1)Chemical: Basal application of a triclopyr herbicide mixed with an oil diluent (Hammer, 1996). Remove seed pods to prevent reinfestation and recheck periodically for new seedlings. (2)Cut stem at ground level and treat with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlon 4. A basal bark treatment with 10% Garlon 4 also works. The cut-stem treatment is preferred because it is evident within one week which stems were treated and which were missed.

(1)http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm (2)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_WG209

8.04

The aerial portion of the plant is killed by fire, but a new vine is soon produced from its underground tuber.

http://www.hear.org/pier3/metub.htm

8.05

Don’t know.