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

Schinus terebinthifolius Radd, Christmas berry, Brazilian pepper, broad-leaved pepper tree

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

n

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

y

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

y

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

n

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

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

y

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

n

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

y

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

y

8.02

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

y=1, n=-1

n

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:

19

Notes

Source

1.01

no evidence

1.02

(1)Distribution: Naturalized in most tropical and subtropical regions, including other South American countries, parts of Central America, Bermuda, the Bahama islands, the West Indies, Guam, Mediterranean Europe, North Africa, southern Asia, and South Africa. In the United States, occurs in Hawaii, California, southern Arizona, and Florida—in Florida as far north as Levy and St. Johns counties and as far west as Santa Rosa County (EPPC 1996). (2)Naturalizedi n Australia

(1)http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/schter.pdf (2)http://www.fncw.nsw.gov.au/weed_plans/RCP%20Broadleaf%20pepper%203-01.doc

1.03

4 varieties were recognized based on morphology, but no information concerning the weediness of each variety

http://www.fleppc.org/Manage_Plans/schinus.pdf

2.01

Brazilian pepper-tree is a native of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA219

2.02

2.03

(1) Hardiness Range: 9B - 11 (2) Naturalized in usually mesic, disturbed areas, 3-920 m, (3) In its natural range, it is reported to occur as scattered individuals in a variety of habitats, from sea level to over 700 m elevation

(1) http://www.horticopia.com/hortpix/html/pc4876.htm (2) http://www.hear.org/pier/species/schinus_terebinthifolius.htm (3) http://www.fleppc.org/Manage_Plans/schinus.pdf

2.04

Brazilian pepper-tree is a native of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA219

2.05

It was introduced into Florida in 1898 and has since been distributed widely. The species has escaped cultivation and occupies huge areas in natural stands (Nelson 1996). It has also naturalized in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and many tropical and subtropical countries"

http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Schinus%20terebinthifolius.pdf

3.01

(1)Distribution: Naturalized in most tropical and subtropical regions, including other South American countries, parts of Central America, Bermuda, the Bahama islands, the West Indies, Guam, Mediterranean Europe, North Africa, southern Asia, and South Africa. In the United States, occurs in Hawaii, California, southern Arizona, and Florida—in Florida as far north as Levy and St. Johns counties and as far west as Santa Rosa County (EPPC 1996). (2)Naturalizedi n Australia

(1)http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/schter.pdf (2)http://www.fncw.nsw.gov.au/weed_plans/RCP%20Broadleaf%20pepper%203-01.doc

3.02

"Has invaded a variety of areas including, but not limited to, fallow farmland, pinelands, hardwood hammocks, roadsides, and mangrove forests, in areas with a high degree of disturbance and natural areas with little disturbance" [not answered yes for disturbance weed because yes for environmental weed]

http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/schter.pdf

3.03

Three broad categories of weeds infest grazing land. Brush is the biggest problem. ...In wet, lowland areas, tree or brush weeds such as christmasberry (Schinus terebinthifolius), melastoma (Melastoma malabathricum), guava (Psidium guajava), hau (Hibiscus tiliaceus), lantana (Lantana camara), and gorse (Ulex europaeus) are of concern.

http://www.svpa.hawaii.edu/ansc/History/beef.htm

3.04

(1)"Brazilian pepper-tree is one of the most aggressive of these non-native invaders. Where once there were ecologically productive mangrove communities, now there are pure stands of Brazilian pepper-trees. Scrub and pine flatwood communities are also being affected by this invasion. Nearly all terrestrial ecosystems in central and southern Florida are being encroached upon by the Brazilian pepper-tree. " (2)The low-growing, evergreen, deciduous tree is an aggressive invader of most mesic to wet lowland environments. It shades out other plants, as well as preventing reestablishment of other species...A defoliating insect has been introduced but has not been effective. (3)The major threats to Abutilon sandwicense are competition from ....Schinus terebinthifolius (Christmasberry) (4)The major threats to C. grimesiana ssp. obatae are competition from alien plants such as Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse) and Schinus terebinthifolius (Christmas berry) (5)Basal bark application of a ready to use solution of Pathfin

(1)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA219 (2)http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/cw_smith/sch_ter.htm (3)http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-11156.htm [Federal Register: June 17, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 116)] (4)http://endangered.fws.gov/r/fr94541.html [Federal Register for Monday, June 27, 1994] (5)http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/forestry/Newsletter_Pages/renewable_resources_extension__h.htm

3.05

S. molle was reported to be invasive in riparian habitats in San Diego, Santa Cruz Is.

http://www.caleppc.org/info/99listb.html

4.01

no description of these traits

http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/schter.pdf

4.02

"Produces certain allelopathic agents, which appear to suppress other plants' growth"

http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/schter.pdf

4.03

no evidence

4.04

"Goats browse on the foliage with no ill effects"

http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Schinus%20terebinthifolius.pdf

4.05

"unripe fruits can be fatal to horses"

http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Schinus%20terebinthifolius.pdf

4.06

In the beginning of 1998, a new bacterial disease was found on grapevine (Vitis vinifera) in the São Francisco region, Brazil, affecting cultivar Red Globe and causing severe damages to local crops. The disease agent, designated grapevine bacterial canker, was identified as Xanthomonas campestris pv. viticola, a non-pigmented pathovar of Xanthomonas possibly introduced from India. Plants showed necrotic and angular spots on leaf blades, petiole and vein discolorations, and extensive deep cankers on the branches. The isolated bacterium also was pathogenic to members of the Anacardiaceae family, such as: Spondias tuberosa, Anacardium occidentale, Spondias dulcis and Schinus terebinthifolius. Preventive control measures and hygiene are recommended against grapevine bacterial canker in Brazil.
[ pathovar attacking grapevine but has wide host range in Anacardiaceae]

Araujo, J. S. de P. Robbs, C. F. (2000) Symptomatology, pathogenicity and control of bacterial canker of grapevine (Xanthomonas campestris pv. viticola) in Brazil. (Foreign Title: Sintomatologia, patogenicidade e controle do cancro bacteriano da videira (Xanthomonas campestris pv. viticola) no Brasil.) Agronomia, 2000, Vol. 34, No. 1/2, pp. 83-86, 18 ref.

4.07

http://BoDD.cf.ac.uk/BotDermFolder/BotDermA/ANAC.html

4.08

"Because it and the species growing in its understory do not burn readily (Fire Sciences Laboratory 2002), Brazilian pepper tree has been recommended for planting as fire resistant barriers"

http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Schinus%20terebinthifolius.pdf

4.09

"The species has an intermediate tolerance of shade and can survive and grow slowly under forest canopies until disturbance releases it."

http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Schinus%20terebinthifolius.pdf

4.1

Adapted to Coarse Textured Soils: Yes
Adapted to Fine Textured Soils: Yes
Adapted to Medium Textured Soils: Yes

4.11

"Brazilian pepper-tree is a shrub or small tree to 10 m (33 ft) tall with a short trunk usually hidden in a dense head of contorted, intertwining branches."

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA219

4.12

"Forms dense thickets of tangled woody stems that completely shade out and displace native vegetation."

http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/schter.pdf

5.01

Brazilian pepper-tree successfully colonizes native tree hammocks, pine flatlands and mangrove forest communities.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA219

5.02

tree; Anacardiaceae

5.03

no evidence

5.04

tree

6.01

no evidence

6.02

"Seed viability is 30 to 60 percent and can last up to 2 months, but declines to 0.05 percent at 5 months."

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA219

6.03

no evidence

6.04

Male and female flowers areborne on different plants (dioecious).

http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Schinus%20terebinthifolius.pdf

6.05

" Observations by Ewel et. al. (1982) reveal that Brazilian pepper is pollinated by diurnal insects, including a number of dipterans (especially a syrphid fly, Palpada vinetorum), hymenopterans, and lepidopterans."

http://www.fleppc.org/Manage_Plans/schinus.pdf

6.06

"Sprouts easily from the trunk and roots, even if the plant is undamaged."

http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/schter.pdf

6.07

Reproduction can occur 3 years after germination

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA219

7.01

"Has invaded a variety of areas including, but not limited to, fallow farmland, pinelands, hardwood hammocks, roadsides, and mangrove forests, in areas with a high degree of disturbance and natural areas with little disturbance" [occur in roadsides and trailsides, can occur in wet areas with waterlogged soils (mud), with small seeds]

http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/schter.pdf

7.02

"Widely introduced as an ornamental, Brazilian pepper tree was popular for its red berries and bright green foliage. It is stillused for Christmas decorations. Because it and the species growing in its understory do not burn readily (Fire Sciences Laboratory 2002), Brazilian pepper tree has been recommended for planting as fire resistant barriers"

http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Schinus%20terebinthifolius.pdf

7.03

no products

7.04

no evidence

7.05

no evidence

7.06

Birds and mammals are the chief means of seed dispersal.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA219

7.07

no means of attachment

7.08

bird-dispersed

8.01

Seeds from Brazil were reported to average 80,600 seeds/kg [probably yes, small seeds]

http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Schinus%20terebinthifolius.pdf

8.02

"Seed viability is 30 to 60 percent and can last up to 2 months, but declines to 0.05 percent at 5 months."; "Seedlings have a high rate of survival and some can be found all year. Any break in the tree canopy can be exploited by seedlings." [seeds are not persistent but the seedlings can form persistent propagule bank but no evidence of individual survival > 1 year and maintenance after adults are removed]

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA219

8.03

Brazilian pepper-trees can be controlled by cutting them down and treating the stumps with herbicide, and basal bark herbicide application. Foliar herbicide application can be used on Brazilian pepper-tree seedlings.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA219

8.04

"About 20 percent of seedlings exposed to fire resprout"

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AA219

8.05

no evidence