Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)


Pittosporum tobira


RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: Evaluate, score: 3.5


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
Original risk assessment

Pittosporum tobira (Japanese pittosporum, Japanese mockorange, Wheeler's mock orange)

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

1

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

1

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

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

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

n

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

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

n

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

n

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

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

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

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

y

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

y

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

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:

3.5

Supporting data:

Source

Notes

1.01

No evidence

1.02

Rare escape from cultivation in Florida - disturbed hammocks

Wunderlin, R.P.1998. Guide to the vascular plants of Florida. University Press of Florida, Gainesville

1.03

No evidence

2.01

(1)Native to China, Japan and Korea. (2). P. tobira is a subtropical plant that can be cold damaged
(3) Native range: Asia-Temperate: China - Fujian; Japan - Honshu [w.], Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku; Korea [s.]; Taiwan [n.] [subtropical-temperate] (4)Does best in cooler climates [warm tropcs may not be suitable for reproduction]

(1)FC-CD (2)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_EP105 (3) 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?28756 (15 July 2003) (4)Whistler, W.A. Tropcal Ornamenatls. Timber Press, Portland

2.02

2.03

(1) Hardiness range 8A - 11
(2) Native range: Asia: China - Fujian; Japan - Honshu [w.], Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku; Korea [s.]; Taiwan [n.] [subtropical-temperate] (3)Does best in cooler climates [warm temperate rather than warm tropical] (4)USDA zones 8-10. Extensively used as a landscape plant in milder climates around the world. (5)Hardy to about -10°c [warm tropcs may not be suitable for reproduction]

(1) Horticopia A- Z CDROM database. (2) 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?28756 (15 July 2003) (3)Whistler, W.A. Tropcal Ornamenatls. Timber Press, Portland (4)http://www.streetside.com/plants/floridata/ref/p/pitt.htm (5)http://plants.gardenbed.com/50/4903_cul.asp

2.04

(1)Native to China, Japan and Korea. (2). tobira is a subtropical plant that can be cold damaged

(1)FC-CD (2)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_EP105

2.05

Extensively used as a landscape plant in milder climates around the world. In the U.S. Pittosporum tobira is commonly found in the southeast/gulf coast and on the west coast.

http://www.streetside.com/plants/floridata/ref/p/pitt.htm

3.01

Rare escape from cultivation in Florida - disturbed hammocks

Wunderlin, R.P.1998. Guide to the vascular plants of Florida. University Press of Florida, Gainesville

3.02

No evidence

3.03

No evidence

3.04

Not on 2003 FLEPPC list

http://www.fleppc.org/03list.htm

3.05

'...Several species of Pittosporum have proven invasive elsewhere ' [e.g. P. undulatum]

http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dofaw/hortweeds/species/pitpen.htm

4.01

Trunk has not thorns.

Horticopia A- Z CDROM database.

4.02

No evidence

4.03

No evidence

4.04

Don't know

4.05

Poisonous to animals particularly cows.

http://www.ag.auburn.edu/landscape/253.html

4.06

(1) 'Problems include cottonly cushion scale and aphids. Leaf spot (Cercospora) and root rot diseases can be problems for Pittosporum...'
(2) AB: In July 1998 P. tobira shrubs in the Sharon Valley of Israel exhibited foliar ring spots, mild mosaic and tip necrosis. The causal organism was identified as tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) by ELISA and its pathogenicity was confirmed. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned PCR product confirmed the identity of TSWV. This is the first report of infection of P. tobira by TSWV.
(3) AB: "4 species of aphids infesting citrus (Toxoptera aurantii (Boy.), Aphis gossypii Glov., A. citricola v.d. Goot and A. craccivora Koch) and from each of 3 species infesting Pittosporum tobira in citrus orchards (A. fabae Scop., A. gossypii and T. aurantii) in south-central Italy, Sicily and Sardinia in 1961-80.
(4) AB: "Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was repeatedly isolated from P. tobira with typical symptoms of Pittosporum vein clearing virus in Apulia, Italy. " [All these pests

(1) Horticopia A- Z CDROM database.
(2) Gera, A.; Kritzman, A.; Cohen, J. (2000) Pittosporum tobira : a new host for tomato spotted wilt virus. Plant Disease, 2000, Vol.84, No.4, p.491, 1 ref.
(3) Tremblay, E.; Barbagallo, S.; Biase, L. Micieli de; Monaco, R.; Ortu, S. (1980) Composition of the parasitic insect fauna living at the expense of citrus aphids in Italy (Hymenoptera Ichneumonoidea, Homoptera Aphidoidea). [FT: Composizione dell'entomofauna parassitica vivente a carico degli afidi degli agrumi in Italia (Hymenoptera Ichneumonoidea, Homoptera Aphidoidea).] Bollettino del Laboratorio di Entomologia Agraria 'Filippo Silvestri', Portici, 1980, Vol.37, pp.209-216, 4 ref.
(4) Rana, G. L. (1980) Pittosporum tobira (Thunb.) Ait., a new natural host of cucumber mosaic virus. [FT: Pittosporum tobira (Thunb.) Ait., nuovo ospite naturale del virus del mosaico del cetriolo.] Informatore Fitopatologico, 1980, Vol.30, No.4, pp.7-8, 2 ref

4.07

No evidence

4.08

not likely- an evergreen shrub with thick, dark green, leathery leaves

http://www.botany.com/pittosporum.html

4.09

(1)Partial shade or partial sun to full sun. (2)Grows taller in the shade while those in full sun are more compact. (3)research has shown that growth of potted pittosporum is higher under 47­80% shade than under full sun or 30% shade. (3)Acclimatized P. tobira potted plants have been shown to hold up well under interior conditions

(1)Horticopia A- Z CDROM database. (2)http://www.floridata.com/ref/p/pitt.cfm (3)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_EP105

4.1

(1)Soil condition: loamy, sandy, acidic, neutral, alkaline, tolerates salt well, drought tolerant. (2) This plant is very adaptable and will grow in most soils except for those that are very wet.

(1)Horticopia A- Z CDROM database. (2)http://www.floridata.com/ref/p/pitt.cfm (3)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP105

4.11

Probably not - not a vine.

Horticopia A- Z CDROM database.

4.12

No evidence

5.01

An evergreen shrub.

Horticopia A- Z CDROM database.

5.02

Pittosporaceae

5.03

Pittosporaceae

5.04

No evidence

6.01

'Capsules globose about 1.5 cm thick, 2 valved, seeds 8 - 10, red.'

Flora of Taiwan. 1975. Volume 3. Epoch Publishing Co. Ltd.

6.02

Propagation: Seeds.

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Pittosporaceae/Pittosporum_tobira.html

6.03

The species in this genus are very likely to hybridize with other members of the genus [no record of hybridization in P. tobira]

http://plants.gardenbed.com/50/4903_cul.asp

6.04

'Flowers perfect or unisexual (and then plants polygamous or dioecious), actinomorphic or sometimes zygomorphic…'

6.05

flowers white when they first open, but as they age, turn yellow. They are very fragrant and remind people of orange blossoms. [suggests bees or other insects]

http://www.botany.com/pittosporum.html

6.06

Propagation: Seeds.

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Pittosporaceae/Pittosporum_tobira.html

6.07

a moderate to fast grower if given adequate nutrients and water

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Pittosporaceae/Pittosporum_tobira.html

7.01

Probably not - According to the description for the genus Pittosporum - 'Seeds black or reddish black, numerous, embedded in viscid resin.' 'The black seeds are very conspicuous against the background of the orange or orangish red inner surface of the valves of a dehisced capsule, and undoubtedly attract birds that distribute them.'

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

7.02

probably yes- attractive fragrant flowers; popular landscape shrub.

Horticopia A- Z CDROM database.

7.03

Probably not - According to the description for the genus Pittosporum - 'Seeds black or reddish black, numerous, embedded in viscid resin.' 'The black seeds are very conspicuous against the background of the orange or orangish red inner surface of the valves of a dehisced capsule, and undoubtedly attract birds that distribute them.'

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

7.04

7.05

7.06

Probably yes - According to the description for the genus Pittosporum - 'Seeds black or reddish black, numerous, embedded in viscid resin.' 'The black seeds are very conspicuous against the background of the orange or orangish red inner surface of the valves of a dehisced capsule, and undoubtedly attract birds that distribute them.'

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

7.07

Probably not - no evidence that the propagules have any means of attachment.

Flora of Taiwan. 1975. Volume 3. Epoch Publishing Co. Ltd.

7.08

Bird dispersed

8.01

Probably not - 'Capsules globose about 1.5 cm thick, 2 valved, seeds 8 - 10, red.' [not liikely to produce 1000 /m2]

Flora of Taiwan. 1975. Volume 3. Epoch Publishing Co. Ltd.

8.02

Seed germination may be hastened by treating the seeds for several seconds with boiling water. P. tobira is most commonly propagated using cuttings.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP105

8.03

No evidence that the species is being controlled for.

8.04

(1)P. tobira is a shrub that withstands trimming well and is used for foundation, hedge and mass plantings, as a screen, and in planter boxes. (2)Very amenable to pruning, plants can be cut right back into old wood if required

(1)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_EP105 (2)http://plants.gardenbed.com/50/4903_cul.asp

8.05

(1)Problem with scales, aphids, mealybugs. (2)Japanese pittosporum is very susceptible to root-knot nematodes.

(1)http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/Hort/MG/Pittosporum.htm (2)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP105


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