Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)


Myrcianthes fragrans


RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: Low risk, score: 0


Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Hawai‘i.
Information on Risk Assessments
Original risk assessment

Myrcianthes fragrans (Sw.) McVaugh. Family - Myrtaceae. Common Names(s) - Simpson Stopper, Twinberry, Twinberry stopper. Synonym(s) - Anamomis dicrana (Berg) Britt., Anamomis fragrans (Sw.) Griseb., Anamomis simpsonii Small, Eugenia dicrana Berg, Eugenia fajardensis Krug & Urban, Eugenia simpsonii (Small) Sarg., Myrcianthes fajardensis (Krug & Urban) Alain, Myrcianthes fragrans var. simpsonii (Small) R.W. Long.

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

y

1

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

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

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

y

1

4.10

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

y=1, n=0

y

1

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

n

0

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

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

4

-1

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

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

y

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

y

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

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:

0

Supporting data:

Notes

Source

1.01

(1)Recognized as a candidate for federal listing by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service [no evidence]

(1)Nelson, G. 1996. The shrubs and woody vines of Florida: a reference and field guide. Pineapple Press Inc., Sarasota, FL.

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1)Distribution: Hammock from about Volusia County southward, excluding the Keys [Florida] (2)Rare in moist and dry coastal forests and dry forests on limestone, southwest region, also at Dorado, Puerto Rico; Florida, West Indies, Mexico and Central America, northern South America.

(1)Nelson, G. 1996. The shrubs and woody vines of Florida: a reference and field guide. Pineapple Press Inc., Sarasota, FL. (2)Liogier, A. H., and L. F. Martorell. 2000. Flora of Puerto Rico and adjacent islands: a systematic synopsis. Editorial UPR, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

2.02

2.03

(1)USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11 (2)Hardiness: USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F) (3)Sea level to 2600 m, usually above 1000 m [elevational distribution >1000 m]

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009] (2)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/67500/ [Accessed 05 June 2009] (3)Gargiullo, M. B., B. Magnuson and L, Kimbal. 2008. A Field Guide to Plants of Costa Rica. Oxford University Press. New York, NY.

2.04

(1)Distribution: Hammock from about Volusia County southward, excluding the Keys [Florida] (2)Rare in moist and dry coastal forests and dry forests on limestone, southwest region, also at Dorado, Puerto Rico; Florida, West Indies, Mexico and Central America, northern South America.

(1)Nelson, G. 1996. The shrubs and woody vines of Florida: a reference and field guide. Pineapple Press Inc., Sarasota, FL. (2)Liogier, A. H., and L. F. Martorell. 2000. Flora of Puerto Rico and adjacent islands: a systematic synopsis. Editorial UPR, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

2.05

(1)Although native to coastal hammocks of Florida and the Caribbean, this threatened species is planted as an ornamental farther north. (2)Native Range: Peninsular Florida, the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. [broad native range, but not mentioned as widely planted outside these areas]

(1)http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/triology/archive/4504.pdf [Accessed 09 June 2009] (2)http://www.regionalconservation.org/ircs/database/plants/PlantPage.asp?TXCODE=Myrcfrag [Accessed 9 June 2009]

3.01

(1)No evidence

(1)http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinamem.htm [Accessed 09 June 2009]

3.02

(1)Recognized as a candidate for federal listing by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service [no evidence]

(1)Nelson, G. 1996. The shrubs and woody vines of Florida: a reference and field guide. Pineapple Press Inc., Sarasota, FL.

3.03

(1)No evidence

(1)http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinamem.htm [Accessed 09 June 2009]

3.04

(1)No evidence

(1)http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinamem.htm [Accessed 09 June 2009]

3.05

(1)No Myrcianthes spp. Listed as invasive

(1)http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinamem.htm [Accessed 09 June 2009]

4.01

(1)Trunk/bark/branches: can be trained to grow with a short, single trunk; no thorns; showy

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009]

4.02

(1)No evidence of allelopathy

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009]

4.03

(1)It may be a large shrub or small tree and can reach a height of 20 feet with a 15 foot spread. The tiny, deep green leaves contain aromatic oils with the fragrance of nutmeg and grow densely, when in full sun, on the smooth-barked branches.

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009]

4.04

(1)When available, iguanas have also been observed to gorge themselves on fruits of plants usually inhabiting stands of primary vegetation, including Picrodendron baccatum, Hippomane mancinella, and Myrcianthes fragrans. [fruits palatable] (2)Leaves found in the rumen contents of goats in Puerto Rico

(1)http://www.iucn-isg.org/actionplan/ch2/grandcayman.php [Accessed 10 June 2009] (2)MELÉNDEZ-ACKERMAN, E. J., C.CORTÉS, J. SUSTACHE; S. ARAGÓN; M. MORALES-VARGAS, M.GARCÍA-BERMÚDEZ, AND D. S. FERNÁNDEZ. 2008. Diet of feral goats in Mona Island Reserve, Puerto Rico. Caribbean Journal of Science 44(2): 199-205.

4.05

(1)The ripe fruit is edible raw. (2)Fruit characteristic: suited for human consumption; attracts birds [no evidence of toxicity]

(1)Couplan, F. and J. Duke. 1998. The Encyclopedia of Edible Plants of North America. Keats Publishing Inc., New Canaan, Connecticut. (2)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009]

4.06

(1)Pest resistance: no serious pests are normally seen on the plant...Pests and Diseases No pests or diseases are of major concern. [a host plant for Puccinia psidii, but not an important alternate host…see question 8.05]

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009]

4.07

(1)The ripe fruit is edible raw. (2)Fruit characteristic: suited for human consumption; attracts birds [no evidence of toxicity]

(1)Couplan, F. and J. Duke. 1998. The Encyclopedia of Edible Plants of North America. Keats Publishing Inc., New Canaan, Connecticut. (2)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009]

4.08

(1)Habitat: Moist to wet forest, disturbed sites, remnant trees in pastures [no evidence that this tree increase fire hazards, and unlikely given wet forest habitat]

(1)Gargiullo, M. B., B. Magnuson and L, Kimbal. 2008. A Field Guide to Plants of Costa Rica. Oxford University Press. New York, NY.

4.09

(1)When this plant is grown in shade the foliage becomes less dense, and the trunk displays its attractive, smooth, exfoliating bark...Light requirement: plant grows in part shade/part sun; plant grows in the shade...Twinberry can grow in full sun or deep shade and is most useful where the soils contain shell, marl, or lime rock (alkaline soils). (2)Sun Exposure: Full Sun Sun to Partial Shade Light Shade Partial to Full Shade Full Shade (3)Myrcianthes fragrans thrives in a wide range of growing conditions, from shade to full sun, and is drought and salt tolerant.

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009] (2)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/67500/ [Accessed 05 June 2009] (3)http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/triology/archive/4504.pdf [Accessed 09 June 2009]

4.10

(1)Soil tolerances: occasionally wet; acidic; alkaline; sand; loam; clay; (2)Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009] (2)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/67500/ [Accessed 05 June 2009]

4.11

(1)It may be a large shrub or small tree and can reach a height of 20 feet with a 15 foot spread. The tiny, deep green leaves contain aromatic oils with the fragrance of nutmeg and grow densely, when in full sun, on the smooth-barked branches.

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009]

4.12

(1)Rare in moist and dry coastal forests and dry forests on limestone, southwest region, also at Dorado, Puerto Rico; Florida, West Indies, Mexico and Central America, northern South America [no evidence of thicket formation in native range] (2)IRC Status: Rare State Status: Threatened

(1)Liogier, A. H., and L. F. Martorell. 2000. Flora of Puerto Rico and adjacent islands: a systematic synopsis. Editorial UPR, San Juan, Puerto Rico. (2)http://www.regionalconservation.org/ircs/database/plants/PlantPage.asp?TXCODE=Myrcfrag [Accessed 05 June 2009]

5.01

(1)Terrestrial

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009]

5.02

(1)Myrtaceae

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009]

5.03

(1)Myrtaceae

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009]

5.04

(1)It may be a large shrub or small tree and can reach a height of 20 feet with a 15 foot spread. The tiny, deep green leaves contain aromatic oils with the fragrance of nutmeg and grow densely, when in full sun, on the smooth-barked branches.

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009]

6.01

(1)Recognized as a candidate for federal listing by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service [rare species, but no evidence this is due to substantial reproductive failure]

(1)Nelson, G. 1996. The shrubs and woody vines of Florida: a reference and field guide. Pineapple Press Inc., Sarasota, FL.

6.02

(1)Propagation Methods: From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall

(1)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/67500/ [Accessed 05 June 2009]

6.03

Unknown

6.04

Unknown

6.05

(1)Other details: This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds Flowers are fragrant (2)The flowers are a favorite of butterflies and other nectar-seekers. (3)Flowers white to cream, radially symmetrical, sweet fragrant, about 1 cm wide, petals 4, anthers very numerous, white nearly 1 cm long [unspecialized flowers]

(1)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/67500/ [Accessed 05 June 2009] (2)http://www.plantcreations.com/stoppers.htm [Accessed 05 June 2009] (3)Gargiullo, M. B., B. Magnuson and L, Kimbal. 2008. A Field Guide to Plants of Costa Rica. Oxford University Press. New York, NY.

6.06

(1)Propagation Methods: From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall [no evidence of vegetative spread]

(1)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/67500/ [Accessed 05 June 2009]

6.07

(1)Growth rate: slow [for woody plants probably >4+ years to reproductive maturity] (2)Relatively slow growing but will grow faster with increased water and fertilization.

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009] (2)http://www.allnativeflora.com/SimpsonStopper.htm [Accessed 05 June 2009]

7.01

(1)fruit subglobose, smooth or roughened by the glands, about 1 cm diam., dark purple-black, seed usually 1. [no means of external attachment]

(1)Liogier, H. A. 1994. Descriptive Flora of Puerto Rico and Adjacent Islands: Spermatophyta. Editorial UPR, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

7.02

(1)It is an excellent and charming landscape tree that is especially ornamental when covered with its orange, bird-attracting fruits in summer.

(1)Hammer, R. L. 2004. Florida Keys Wildflowers: A Field Guide to Wildflowers, Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of the Florida Keys. Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, Connecticut.

7.03

(1)fruit subglobose, smooth or roughened by the glands, about 1 cm diam., dark purple-black, seed usually 1. [no evidence, and plants not grown with other produce]

(1)Liogier, H. A. 1994. Descriptive Flora of Puerto Rico and Adjacent Islands: Spermatophyta. Editorial UPR, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

7.04

(1)These flowers then develop into attractive, red berries that are edible. The flowers attract many species of butterflies, and the fruits are appealing to birds, especially the state bird of Florida, the mockingbird.

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009]

7.05

(1)The Kissimmee River region prairie hammocks are the only hammocks surveyed that have Myrcianthes fragrans and Muhlenbergia schreberi . Both of these species are relatively restricted in range in central Florida. Except for its locations in prairie hammocks in Okeechobee and Glades counties, Muhlenbergia schreberi ranges south only to Lake County, Florida. In contrast, Myrcianthes fragrans occurs in coastal hammocks as far north as St. Johns County on the east coast of Florida and as far north as Lee County on the west coast, with the prairie hammocks in Okeechobee County possibly representing the northernmost inland locations. [fruits/seeds possibly buoyant based on distribution in proximity to water]

(1)Orzell, S. L. and E. L. Bridges. 2006. Floristic Composition of the South-Central Florida Dry Prairie Landscape. In R. F. Noss (ed.). Land of Fire and Water: The Florida Dry Prairie Ecosystem. Proceedings of the Florida Dry Prairie Conference.

7.06

(1)These flowers then develop into attractive, red berries that are edible. The flowers attract many species of butterflies, and the fruits are appealing to birds, especially the state bird of Florida, the mockingbird. (2)fruit subglobose, smooth or roughened by the glands, about 1 cm diam., dark purple-black, seed usually 1.

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009] (2)Liogier, H. A. 1994. Descriptive Flora of Puerto Rico and Adjacent Islands: Spermatophyta. Editorial UPR, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

7.07

(1)fruit subglobose, smooth or roughened by the glands, about 1 cm diam., dark purple-black, seed usually 1. [no means of external attachment]

(1)Liogier, H. A. 1994. Descriptive Flora of Puerto Rico and Adjacent Islands: Spermatophyta. Editorial UPR, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

7.08

(1)These flowers then develop into attractive, red berries that are edible. The flowers attract many species of butterflies, and the fruits are appealing to birds, especially the state bird of Florida, the mockingbird. (2)fruit subglobose, smooth or roughened by the glands, about 1 cm diam., dark purple-black, seed usually 1.

(1)http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MYRFRAA.PDF [Accessed 05 June 2009] (2)Liogier, H. A. 1994. Descriptive Flora of Puerto Rico and Adjacent Islands: Spermatophyta. Editorial UPR, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

8.01

(1)fruit subglobose, smooth or roughened by the glands, about 1 cm diam., dark purple-black, seed usually 1. [unlikely, single-seeded fruits] (2)fruit dark purple-black, subglobose, smooth or roughened by the numerous superficial glands, about 1 cm. in diameter; seed bean-shaped, usually only one maturing;

(1)Liogier, H. A. 1994. Descriptive Flora of Puerto Rico and Adjacent Islands: Spermatophyta. Editorial UPR, San Juan, Puerto Rico. (2)McVaugh, R. 1963. Flora of Guatemala. Fieldiana: Botany Volume 24, Part VII, Number 3.

8.02

Unknown

8.03

Unknown [no information on control]

 

8.04

(1)It can grow 10 to 15 feet tall but is very tolerant of pruning and makes an excellent screen or hedge. [unknown if plant responds to heavy pruning]

(1)http://www.ornamentaloutlook.com/magazine/?storyid=238 [Accessed 10 June 2009]

8.05

(1)Myrcianthes fragrans (Simpson's stopper) and Callistemon citrinus (bottlebrush) samples were received by the Plant Diagnostic Clinic in Quincy from a commercial nursery in southwest Florida in mid-December of 2003 with rust symptoms. Microscopic examination showed typical rust pustule eruptions (Fig. 1 and 3) and urediniospores (Fig.2 and 4). Urediniospores found on the leaves were identified as those of Puccinia psidii. This pathogen has an extensive host range in the Myrtaceae family but until recently was only found on Pimenta dioica (allspice) in Florida (Leahy 2004). As it has increased its host range it has become an increasing problem in Florida. [P. psidii established in Hawaiian Islands, could potentially affect M. fragrans] (2)Host screening showed that the most susceptible species were exotic. Of the four native species tested, only twinberry stopper (M. fragrans) developed minor symptoms of infection, and it appeared to be relatively less susceptible than other plants even in an optimal environment. Therefore, use of P. psidii as a augmentative biological control would probably not impact native species, but the breadth of the potential host range requires a cautious approach. However, the realized host range of P. psidii in Florida should be determined by exposing these plant species to inoculum sources under natural field conditions. [P. psidii has minor effects on M. fragrans]

(1)http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/pestalert/tmm-0209.htm [Accessed 05 June 2009] (2)Rayachhetry, M. B., T. K. Van, T. D. Center and M. L. Elliott. 2001. Host Range of Puccinia psidii, a Potential Biological Control Agent of Melaleuca quinquenervia in Florida. Biological Control 22: 38–45.


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