Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)
RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: High risk, score: 10
|
Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Hawai‘i. Information on Risk Assessments Original risk assessment |
| Rubus rosifolius (Thimbleberry, West Indian raspberry, ola'a, roseleaf raspberry) Family - Rosaceae | Answer | Score | |
| 1.01 | Is the species highly domesticated? | n | 0 |
| 1.02 | Has the species become naturalized where grown? | ||
| 1.03 | Does the species have weedy races? | ||
| 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” | 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 |
| 2.04 | Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates | y | 1 |
| 2.05 | Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range? y=-2 | y | |
| 3.01 | Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05 | y | 1 |
| 3.02 | Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2) | ||
| 3.03 | Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2) | n | 0 |
| 3.04 | Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2) | y | 2 |
| 3.05 | Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2) | y | 1 |
| 4.01 | Produces spines, thorns or burrs | y | 1 |
| 4.02 | Allelopathic | n | 0 |
| 4.03 | Parasitic | n | 0 |
| 4.04 | Unpalatable to grazing animals | n | -1 |
| 4.05 | Toxic to animals | n | 0 |
| 4.06 | Host for recognized pests and pathogens | n | 0 |
| 4.07 | Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans | n | 0 |
| 4.08 | Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems | n | 0 |
| 4.09 | Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle | y | 1 |
| 4.1 | Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island) | y | 1 |
| 4.11 | Climbing or smothering growth habit | y | 1 |
| 4.12 | Forms dense thickets | y | 1 |
| 5.01 | Aquatic | n | 0 |
| 5.02 | Grass | n | 0 |
| 5.03 | Nitrogen fixing woody plant | n | 0 |
| 5.04 | Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers) | n | 0 |
| 6.01 | Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat | n | 0 |
| 6.02 | Produces viable seed. | y | 1 |
| 6.03 | Hybridizes naturally | y | 1 |
| 6.04 | Self-compatible or apomictic | n | -1 |
| 6.05 | Requires specialist pollinators | y | -1 |
| 6.06 | Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation | y | 1 |
| 6.07 | Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1 | 2 | 0 |
| 7.01 | Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas) | n | -1 |
| 7.02 | Propagules dispersed intentionally by people | y | 1 |
| 7.03 | Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant | n | -1 |
| 7.04 | Propagules adapted to wind dispersal | n | -1 |
| 7.05 | Propagules water dispersed | n | -1 |
| 7.06 | Propagules bird dispersed | y | 1 |
| 7.07 | Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally) | n | -1 |
| 7.08 | Propagules survive passage through the gut | y | 1 |
| 8.01 | Prolific seed production (>1000/m2) | y | 1 |
| 8.02 | Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr) | ||
| 8.03 | Well controlled by herbicides | y | -1 |
| 8.04 | Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire | ||
| 8.05 | Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents) | n | 1 |
| Total score: | 10 |
Supporting data:
| Notes | Reference | |
| 1.01 | No evidence | |
| 1.02 | ||
| 1.03 | There are two varieties of R. rosifolius that differ only in the number of petals. Rubus rosifolius var. commersonii has 9-13 petals, while Rubus rosifolius var. rosifolius has five (Bean, 2001). [No evidence of weediness in the two varieties]. | http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 2.01 | (1)"Native range: Asia, Australia. (2)In Australia where it is native it is found in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest from Tasmania to Qld. | (1)http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm (2)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 2.02 | (1)"Native range: Asia, Australia. (2)In Australia where it is native it is found in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest from Tasmania to Qld. | (1)http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm (2)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 2.03 | "Grows to 2,200 m elevation in Tahiti (Meyer, 2000). " | http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm |
| 2.04 | (1)"Native range: Asia, Australia. (2)In Australia where it is native it is found in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest from Tasmania to Qld. | (1)http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm (2)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 2.05 |
(1)Introduced to Hawaii and Tahiti. (2)Geographical range Native range: Asia, Australia, China, Taiwan. Known introduced range: New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Indonesia, Malaysia, La Reunion, Mauritius, Rapa, Hawai‘i, French Polynesia. |
(1)http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm (2)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 3.01 | (1)Invades understory of moist forests." "Very invasive in French Polynesia" (2)" This species has become invasive in Hawai‘i and French Polynesia, where it is capable of intruding into the understory of rainforests. Prickly stems and an ability to form dense thickets make R. rosifolius undesirable in many areas." (3)"General impacts - Threatens many native plants on the Hawai‘ian Islands through overcrowding and competition (US EPA, 2002). Is able to form dense thickets when adequate sunlight is available. Can climb using hooks on the stems and prickles on the leaves (BRAIN, 2002)." | (1)http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm (2)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= (3)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 3.02 | "In Hawai‘i, "a common weed in disturbed mesic to wet forest, 60-1,730 m" [Not scored since 3.04 is scored positive] | http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm |
| 3.03 | No evidence | |
| 3.04 | (1)Invades understory of moist forests." "Very invasive in French Polynesia" (2)" This species has become invasive in Hawai‘i and French Polynesia, where it is capable of intruding into the understory of rainforests. Prickly stems and an ability to form dense thickets make R. rosifolius undesirable in many areas." (3)"General impacts - Threatens many native plants on the Hawai‘ian Islands through overcrowding and competition (US EPA, 2002). Is able to form dense thickets when adequate sunlight is available. Can climb using hooks on the stems and prickles on the leaves (BRAIN, 2002)." | (1)http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm (2)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= (3)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 3.05 | (1)Rubus argutus (2)Rubus ellipticus and (3)Rubus moluccanus | (1)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=476&fr=1&sts=sss (2)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=79&fr=1&sts=sss (3)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=994&fr=1&sts=sss |
| 4.01 | (1)sparsely covered with recurved prickles 1-4 mm long with elongate bases. (2)Rubus rosifolius is a prickly shrub that produces edible red berries. | (1)http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm (2)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 4.02 | No evidence | |
| 4.03 | No evidence | |
| 4.04 | "Goats (Capra hircus) are able to control infestations through grazing. Care must be taken with this approach however, as goats are a known invasive species as well." | http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 4.05 | No evidence | |
| 4.06 |
The following 16 species of fungi were listed to be associated with Rubus
rosifolius: Appendiculella calostroma: China - 36727 Asteridiella rubi: Philippines - 7219 Cercospora heteromalla: Ethiopia - 8239 ; South Africa - 786 ; Southern Africa - 8029 ; Uganda - 8239 Gnomonia sp.: Hawaii - 1710 Hamaspora acutissima: New Caledonia - 33649 Irene calostroma: Southern Africa - 8029 Meliola formosensis: China - 36727 Ovularia sp.: New Caledonia - 40467 Phragmidium octoloculare: Japan - 7505 Phragmidium pauciloculare: China - 8097 , 8254 Phragmidium rubi-idaei: China - 8254 , 39922 Phragmidium shensianum: China - 39922 Phytophthora cinnamomi (Root rot.): Hawaii - 1710 Pseudocercospora heteromalla: South Africa - 34234 Stictis hawaiensis: Hawaii - 1710 Uredo sp.: New Caledonia - 37902 , 40467 [No evidence that the above are economic pests] |
https://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/index.cfm |
| 4.07 | No evidence | |
| 4.08 | Probably not - (1)"In Australia where it is native it is found in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest from Tasmania to Qld." (2)"Roseleaf raspberry has a high moisturerequirement, which usually means more than 1800 mm of mean annual precipitation and no severeannual droughts. " |
(1)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts=
(2)http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:kgJshy48yZgJ: www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Rubus%2520rosifolius.pdf +Rubus+rosifolius&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=10 |
| 4.09 | "it is moderately shade intolerant, requiring partial sun to flower and fruit;it does best in full sun. Preferred habitats includenatural and artificial openings in primary and secondary forest, such as tree-fall gaps, landslides, abandoned fields, neglected pastures, and roadsides." |
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:kgJshy48yZgJ: www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Rubus%2520rosifolius.pdf +Rubus+rosifolius&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=10 |
| 4.1 | "A variety of well-drained to poorly-drained soils are colonized." |
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:kgJshy48yZgJ: www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Rubus%2520rosifolius.pdf +Rubus+rosifolius&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=10 |
| 4.11 | (1)Erect to trailing shrub up to 2 m or more in height. (2)"Can climb using hooks on the stems and prickles on the leaves (BRAIN, 2002)." | (1)http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm (2)http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 4.12 | " Prickly stems and an ability to form dense thickets make R. rosifolius undesirable in many areas." | http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 5.01 | Erect to trailing shrub up to 2 m or more in height. | http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm |
| 5.02 | ||
| 5.03 | ||
| 5.04 | ||
| 6.01 | "In China, roseleaf raspberry flowers in March through May and fruits in Juneand July (Lu and Boufford 2002)." |
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:kgJshy48yZgJ: www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Rubus%2520rosifolius.pdf +Rubus+rosifolius&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=10 |
| 6.02 | "Seeds have germination successs of about 90% after 12 weeks." | http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 6.03 | "Abstract: A population of putative hybrids between the endemic Rubus hawaiensis and naturalized R. rosifolius was discovered in Kipahulu Valley, on the island of Maui in the Hawaiian archipelago. The goal of this study was to molecularly characterize this natural hybridization event, investigate the mode of hybridization, and determine the male fertility of the hybrid individuals. Both morphological and RAPD marker data indicate that the putative hybrid individuals are the progeny of R. rosifolius and R. hawaiensis. All 39 hybrid individuals sampled had the chloroplast DNA haplotype of R. rosifolius. Thus hybridization appears to be asymmetric, with R. rosifolius acting as the maternal parent. All hybrid individuals assessed for pollen stainability were sterile, and there was no evidence of backcrossing to either parent. This result suggests that hybrids are of the first filial generation and that variation among hybrids reflects differences within the parental populations. Sympatric populations of R. hawaiensis and R. rosifolius occur on four islands and six additional alien species of Rubus are naturalized and sympatric with R. hawaiensis in Hawai'i. Further investigation is merited to assess whether hybridization may pose a threat to the long term viability of R. hawaiensis. This study highlights the increasing frequency and negative consequences of native-alien hybridization and the importance of maintaining active alien species control programs in the Hawaiian Islands." | Randell, Rebecca A.; Howarth, Dianella G.; Morden, Clifford W. Genetic analysis of natural hybrids between endemic and alien Rubus (Rosaceae) species in Hawai'i. Conservation Genetics 5 (2) : 217-230 2004 |
| 6.04 | Probably not - the species has bee well studied and no evidence of selfing. | |
| 6.05 | "Rubus species are pollinated by insects, particularly honey bees(Apis mellifera L.) " |
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:kgJshy48yZgJ: www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Rubus%2520rosifolius.pdf +Rubus+rosifolius&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=10 |
| 6.06 | "Can also spread via suckers that develop from arching canes (MPAS, 2002)." | http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 6.07 | A shrub or subshrub also grown as an ornamental and for its edible fruits- probably starts flowering within a couple years from germination - "Stems (canes) of roseleaf raspberry originating from sprouts grow 1m or more per year and live about 1.5 years. New sprouts then arise to replace them and the plant lives on (potentially) for several years. In Puerto Rico, clumps and thickets of roseleaf raspberryusually disappear in 2 or 3 years due to mountingcompetition and encroaching shade from trees, shrubs, and herbs." | |
| 7.01 | No evidence that the species grows in heavily trafficked areas. | |
| 7.02 |
"Uses - Fruit is edible and sweet-tasting. Can be made into jams, pies and
preserves. Leaves can be made into tea, which can be helpful for painful
menstruation, childbirth, flu, and morning sickness. Aboriginal people in
Australia used a decoction of the leaves as a traditional treatment for
diarrhea (Notman, 2000). The fruit is a mild laxative if eaten in large
quantities. Can be used for regeneration of disturbed sites within its native range in Australia (Greening Australia NSW, 2003). Seen as a good native species to use for the replacement of invasive blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) in Australia. Used as an ornamental plant (NCCPG, 2001)." |
http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts= |
| 7.03 | Probably not - no evidence that the plants are grown in or around fields of seed crops. | |
| 7.04 | No evidence of adaptation for wind dispersal. | |
| 7.05 | No evidence | |
| 7.06 | "Fruits spread by birds and rodents." | http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm |
| 7.07 | Probably not - although the plant is covered with prickles no evidence that the fruit or seeds have any means of attachment. | |
| 7.08 | "Fruits spread by birds and rodents." | http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm |
| 8.01 | "The terminal oraxile inflorescences contain one to four, 1.5 to 3 cm diameter flowers with five white petals. The globose to narrowly oblong aggregate fruit is bright red and juicy when ripe. The pitted (foveolate), yellow seeds (pyrenes) are about 1.5 mm long. ... Fresh fruits collected in Puerto Rico averaged1.516 + 0.102 g/fruit. Air-dried seeds separated from them averaged 0.00045 g/seed or 2.2 million seeds/kg. " [No evidence of number of seeds per fruit but probably yes as seeds are relatively small and each fruit contains several such seeds.] |
http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:kgJshy48yZgJ:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Rubus%2520rosifolius.pdf+%22Rubus+rosifolius%22+seeds&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1">
http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:kgJshy48yZgJ: http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:kgJshy48yZgJ:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Rubus%2520rosifolius.pdf+%22Rubus+rosifolius%22+seeds&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1"> www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Rubus%2520rosifolius.pdf http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:kgJshy48yZgJ:www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Rubus%2520rosifolius.pdf+%22Rubus+rosifolius%22+seeds&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1"> +%22Rubus+rosifolius%22+seeds&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1 |
| 8.02 | No evidence regarding seed longevity. | |
| 8.03 | "Chemical: Systemic herbicides." | http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm |
| 8.04 | No evidence | |
| 8.05 | "Abstract: The rust fungus Gymnoconia nitens infects blackberry (Rubus argutus) systemically in regions of the continental United States, producing bright yellow-orange masses of spores on newly developing floricanes during springtime. In tests to determine the suitability of this rust as a biological control agent for R. penetrans in Hawaii, a species now thought to be conspecific with R. argutus, rooted cuttings of the Hawaiian plants were grown at North Carolina State University, inoculated, and observed. Other introduced weedy Rubus spp. in Hawaii, including R. ellipticus, R. rosifolius, and R. glaucus, as well as the two endemic species R. hawaiensis and R. macraei, also were inoculated. No species of Rubus are of commercial importance in Hawaii, but the protection of the native species, of which R. macraei is rare, was of utmost concern. The native Hawaiian species did not survive well in North Carolina in this study, however. Later availability of a plant pathogen containment laboratory in Hawaii enabled similar tests to be conducted at that facility. In addition to the above species, R. spectabilis (salmonberry), a species native to the Pacific Northwest with which the Hawaiian Rubus spp. are thought to share a common ancestor, was inoculated in Hawaii. Infection with G. nitens under natural field conditions becomes apparent only when sporulation occurs on floricanes the second year following infection. However, experimental inoculation led to early responses of chlorotic leaf flecking and puckering, leaf and stem contortion, and stem gall formation, indicating the sensitivity of R. penetrans (=R. argutus), R. hawaiensis, and R. macraei to this rust. Apparent systemic infection also resulted in sporulation on one plant of R. macraei. Ability to attack the endemic species suggests that G. nitens would not be suitable for release in Hawaii as a biological control agent, at least on the islands with populations of the native species." |
Gardner, D. E.; Hodges, C. S., Jr.; Killgore, E., et al. An evaluation of the rust fungus Gymnoconia nitens as a potential biological control agent for alien Rubus species in Hawaii Biological Control 10 (3) : 151-158 Nov., 1997 |
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This page created 26 December 2006