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

Sesbania grandiflora (agati )

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

1

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

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

n

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

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

n

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

y

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

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

2

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

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

8.04

Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire

y=1, n=-1

n

8.05

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

2

Source

Notes

1.01

Did not find evidence for this species having cultivars.

1.02

1)Commonly cultivated in Hawaii but not naturalized. 2) May be naturalizing around locations where it has been planted in American Samoa(Tutuila)? (implying highly localized) 3) Possibly naturalized in S. Florida and W. Indies, although this reference at the same time says it is native to E. Indies, which does not seem to be the case (see 2.01 below) 4)"wild populations of grandiflora are unknown" 5)Naturalized in S. Florida and West Indies 6)Rare escape from cultivation 7)The white-flowered form of Sesbania grandiflora (hummingbird tree) has naturalized in localities where it has been planted on Tutuila. 8)The native range is not clear. At least in Hawaii it has not naturalized. [although each individual report provides weak evidence, in total there appears to be evidence of at least some naturalization that meets our criteria]

Wagner,W. L., D. R. Herbst & S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of flowering plants of Hawaii.University of Hawaii at Press. Honolulu. 2) http://www.hear.org/pier/segra.htm 3)http://www.crfg.org/fg/xref/xref-s.html 4)http://www.winrock.org/forestry/factpub/factsh/granflo2.htm 5)http://www.crfg.org/fg/xref/xref-s.html 6)Wunderlin, R.P. 1998. Guide to the vascular plants of Florida. University Press of Florida. Gainesville. 7)http://www.hear.org/pier/reports/asreport.htm 8)Evans, D. O. 1983. Search for seed for Sesbanis grandiflora.Nitrogen fixing tree research.Vol 1: 43

1.03

Did find any evidence that the species has weedy subspecies, varieties or cultivars.

2.01

Species suited to tropical and subtropical habitats.

Bose, T. K., P Das & G. G. Maiti. Trees of the world. Art printing house. Bhubaneshwar. India.

2.02

There seems to be ambiguity regarding the origin of this species although it is reported to be pantropica. 'Although considered native to Old World tropics, most floras of these areas describe it as occurring in cultivation, and New World floras list it as introduced. ...We have not yet found floristic literature referring to wild populations or to any specific area which may be considered a center of origin.' 2)Native to many Asian countries, e.g., India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines from sea level to 800 m

Evans, D. O. 1983. Search for seed for Sesbanis grandiflora.Nitrogen fixing tree research.Vol 1: 43 http://newcrop.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Sesbania_grandiflora.html

2.03

'S. grandiflora is well adapted to hot, humid climates, although it can be grown in a wide range of tropical climates and can tolerate drought and waterlogging; however, it is a lowland species (up to 800 m altitude) which lacks tolerance of cool temperatures (<10°C).' 2)not grow well in the subtropics

REFERENCE CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. 2)http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/Publicat/Gutt-shel/x5556e08.htm

2.04

There seems to be ambiguity regarding the origin of this species although it is reported to be pantropica. 'Although considered native to Old World tropics, most floras of these areas describe it as occurring in cultivation, and New World floras list it as introduced. ...We have not yet found floristic literature referring to wild populations or to any specific area which may be considered a center of origin.'

Evans, D. O. 1983. Search for seed for Sesbanis grandiflora.Nitrogen fixing tree research.Vol 1: 43

2.05

It has been introduced to many tropical and subtropical countries. Grandiflora is found in cultivation throughout the tropics and subtropics.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

3.01

1)Commonly cultivated in Hawaii but not naturalized. 2) May be naturalizing around locations where it has been planted in American Samoa(Tutuila)? (implying highly localized) 3) Possibly naturalized in S. Florida and W. Indies, although this reference at the same time says it is native to E. Indies, which does not seem to be the case (see 2.01 below) 4)"wild populations of grandiflora are unknown" 5)Naturalized in S. Florida and West Indies 6)Rare escape from cultivation 7)The white-flowered form of Sesbania grandiflora (hummingbird tree) has naturalized in localities where it has been planted on Tutuila. 8)The native range is not clear. At least in Hawaii it has not naturalized. [although each individual report provides weak evidence, in total there appears to be evidence of at least some naturalization that meets our criteria]

Wagner,W. L., D. R. Herbst & S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of flowering plants of Hawaii.University of Hawaii at Press. Honolulu. 2) http://www.hear.org/pier/segra.htm 3)http://www.crfg.org/fg/xref/xref-s.html 4)http://www.winrock.org/forestry/factpub/factsh/granflo2.htm 5)http://www.crfg.org/fg/xref/xref-s.html 6)Wunderlin, R.P. 1998. Guide to the vascular plants of Florida. University Press of Florida. Gainesville. 7)http://www.hear.org/pier/reports/asreport.htm 8)Evans, D. O. 1983. Search for seed for Sesbanis grandiflora.Nitrogen fixing tree research.Vol 1: 43

3.02

No evidence of it being a weed.

3.03

1) 'A geographic atlas of world weeds' states S. grandiflora was reported as a 'common' (not economic) weed by a surveyer in Indonesia. but in no other country. This is questionable evidence of being a "weed" because the species is found throughout Asia and it was not reported as a weed by any other surveys. 2)Grown by farmers in Indonesia as a crop!

Holm, L., Pancho, J. V., Herberger, J. P. and Plucknett. 1979. A geographical atlas of world weeds. John Wiley and Sons, New York. 2)http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/Publicat/Gutt-shel/x5556e08.htm

3.04

No evidence of it being a weed.

3.05

(1) Sesbania exaltata , native of tropical America is considered a weed of cultivated fields, roadsides and waste places.

Lorenzi H. J. & L. Jeffery. 1987. Weeds of the United States and their control. Van Nostrad Reinhold Inc. New York.

4.01

It does not produce spines, thorns or burrs.

In gardens of Hawaii

4.02

Did not find any evidence that this species is allelopathic. Used as a nurse crop for coconut, etc.

4.03

No evidence that it is parasitic.

4.04

Cattle relish this plant. 2)Used as quality goat food.

Gupta, R. K. 1993. Multipurpose trees for agroforestry and wasteland utilisation. Oxford & IBH publishsing Co ltd. Bombay. 2) Nhan, N.T.1998. Effect of Sesbania grandiflora, Leucaena leucocephala, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Ceiba pentadra on intake, digestion and rumen environment of growing goats Livestock Research for Rural Development 10(3)

4.05

Did not find any evidence of this species being toxic to animals.

4.06

Did not find evidence that this species is host to important agricultural pests. This website lists 20 fungal species on S. grandiflora - Alternaria alternata: India - 8557
Cercospora agatidis: Congo - 786
Cercospora glottidiicola: Cuba - 6139
Cercospora sesbaniae: India - 8162, 8459
Cladosporium sp.: India - 8557
Colletotrichum capsici: India - 8557
Colletotrichum truncatum: India - 8557; Pakistan - 8557
Erratomyces thirumalacharii: India - 32570
Gloeosporium agatinum: Philippines - 7101
Glomerella cingulata: India - 8557; Pakistan - 8557
Macrophomina phaseolina: India - 8557
Myrothecium roridum: India - 8557; Pakistan - 8557
Oidium sp.: Sri Lanka - 7190; Thailand - 7190; Vietnam - 7190
Periconia saraswatipurensis: India - 8557; Pakistan - 8557
Phoma sorghina: India - 8557; Pakistan - 8557
Phomopsis sp.: India - 8557; Pakistan - 8557
Protomycopsis thirumalacharii: India - 8557
Pseudocercospora sesbania

http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/all/FindRecOneFungusFrame.cfm

4.07

Leaves, pods and flowers are eaten as vegetable. Bark and root have medicinal properties. Did not come across any evidence of it being poisonous to humans.

Bose, T. K., P Das & G. G. Maiti. Trees of the world. Art printing house. Bhubaneshwar. India.

4.08

Fire resistant

http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi

4.09

It is a light demanding species.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

4.1

It can grow on a wide variety of soils - sandy, alluvial and clay. 2) pH of 6.6 to 8.5

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. http://newcrop.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Sesbania_grandiflora.html

4.11

The species is not a vine. Did not find any evidence to having a smothering habit.

4.12

The natural populations of this species are not well documented and I did not find any evidence regarding the dense growth of this species.

5.01

5.02

5.03

It is an evergreen nitrogen fixing tree.

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

5.04

6.01

The native range of this species is not known. Did not find any evidence on reproductive failure.

6.02

Did not find any evidence on non viability of seeds.

6.03

No information

6.04

Did not find reference on the reproductive ecology of this species.

6.05

No information. 2-5 large flowers, which may be pink, red, yellowish or white; individual flowers 5-10 cm long, curved and about 30 mm wide before opening

6.06

Propagation by seed.

http://www.hear.org/pier/segra.htm

6.07

Flowering starts in the first year. (seeds during second year)

Bose, T. K., P Das & G. G. Maiti. Trees of the world. Art printing house. Bhubaneshwar. India.

7.01

The propagules do not have any means of attachment and hence are less likely to be introduced unintentionally.

7.02

Commonly planted in backyard gardens, young shoots edible, medicinal. tender leaves, green fruit, and flowers are eaten alone as a vegetable or mixed into curries or salads. Flowers may be dipped in batter and fried in butter.

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Sesbania_grandiflora.html

7.03

It is a legume with relatively large seeds so little chance of accidental dispersal.

7.04

The seeds are tan to red-brown, 6-8 x 3-5 mm (= relatively large)

http://www.winrock.org/forestry/factpub/factsh/granflo2.htm

7.05

It is a terrestrial species and is less likely to be dispersed by water but often grown along rice paddies - has potential if seeds or pods float

7.06

No evidence

7.07

Probably not. The propagules do not have any means of attachment.

7.08

Conflictin evidence on seed coat [q. 8.02] and don't know if seeds are consumed

8.01

The seeds are tan to red-brown, 6-8 x 3-5 mm (= relatively large) but pods are long (30-50 cm) so around 50 seeds per pod. Would require 20 pods per m2

http://www.winrock.org/forestry/factpub/factsh/granflo2.htm

8.02

Germination treatment = nicking or sulfuric acid (hard seed coated legume) 2)Grandiflora is grown from seed, which may be planted without scarification. "Stored seeds lose viability within a year or two". (conflicts with first reference?)

http://www.agroforester.com/overstory/overstory91.html 2)http://www.winrock.org/forestry/factpub/factsh/granflo2.htm

8.03

No information regarding use of herbicides

8.04

(1) 'The major factor contributing to the low yield in S. grandiflora is believed to be the inability of this species to withstand regular cutting, resulting in plant death.' (2) Coppice potential - Yes, Resprout potential- yes. The above 2 references are contradictory. 3) Cannot withstand repeated cutting

(1) Ella, A., C. Jacobsen, W. W. Stur, & G. Blair. 1989. Effect of plant density and cutting frequency on the produtivity of four tree legumes. Tropical grassland. Vol 23 (1): 28 - 34. (2) http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi 3)http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/Publicat/Gutt-shel/x5556e08.htm

8.05

No information.