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

Toona ciliata (Cedrela toona; Toona australis, toon, Australian red cedar)

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

y

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

y

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

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

y

4.1

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

y=1, n=0

n

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

6

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

y

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

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

n

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

no evidence

1.02

(1)Wagner et al. 1990. Mannual of the Flowerng plants of Hawaii (2)http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/pubs/Waiakea.PDF

(1)"sparingly naturalized" in Hawaii (2)Toona ciliata was a common secondary overstory species in both Flindersia brayleyana and Eucalyptus saligna stands [see also question 3.04]

1.03

no evidence

2.01

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

Review of natural distribution T. ciliata is the most wide ranging of the four Toona spp. (Edmonds, 1995). It occurs naturally in Australia and Papua New Guinea, South-East Asia (Peninsula Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Bangladesh), south China, the Philippines, the Indian subcontinent (India and Pakistan) and Indonesia. A good map of the overall distribution of Toona is provided in Edmonds (1993). Boland et al. (1984) include a map of the distribution of the species in Australia while Pearson and Brown (1932) provide a map of the distribution for India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The species occurs from about 0-1500 m above sea level within its natural range (Lemmens et al., 1995).

2.02

2.03

(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2)Stanley and Ross. Flora of Southeastern Queensland Volume 2. Queensland Dept of Primary Industries, Queensland.

(1)T. ciliata is the most wide ranging of the four Toona spp. (Edmonds, 1995). It occurs naturally in Australia and Papua New Guinea, South-East Asia (Peninsula Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Bangladesh), south China, the Philippines, the Indian subcontinent (India and Pakistan) and Indonesia. A good map of the overall distribution of Toona is provided in Edmonds (1993). Boland et al. (1984) include a map of the distribution of the species in Australia while Pearson and Brown (1932) provide a map of the distribution for India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The species occurs from about 0-1500 m above sea level within its natural range (Lemmens et al., 1995). (2) In Australia "rainforests on creek and river banks of chiefly coastal areas" [contradicts ref. 1, but ref 1. seems reliable as a description of the broader growth range outside Australis]

2.04

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

Review of natural distribution T. ciliata is the most wide ranging of the four Toona spp. (Edmonds, 1995). It occurs naturally in Australia and Papua New Guinea, South-East Asia (Peninsula Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Bangladesh), south China, the Philippines, the Indian subcontinent (India and Pakistan) and Indonesia. A good map of the overall distribution of Toona is provided in Edmonds (1993). Boland et al. (1984) include a map of the distribution of the species in Australia while Pearson and Brown (1932) provide a map of the distribution for India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The species occurs from about 0-1500 m above sea level within its natural range (Lemmens et al., 1995).

2.05

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

Location of introductions
Because of its high quality timber, the species has been trialled in many countries. It has been extensively tested in Hawaii and Central/South America (Argentina and Costa Rica), Sri Lanka and Africa (Republic of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania). The species has been grown on small South Pacific oceanic islands such as Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Solomon Islands (Streets, 1962). Small plantations can be found in Hawaii, Argentina, Puerto Rico and Tonga. From 1959 to 1973, the Hawaii Division of Forestry planted about 5000 acres of T. ciliata using seed of Australian origin (Walters and Wick, 1973). Small but significant plantings also occur on the Tongan island of 'Eua.
T. ciliata has performed well in areas free of the tip-moth, Hypsipyla robusta. The species is not attacked by H. grandifolia (of South American origin) and can be grown successfully in areas where this tip moth occurs. Several small pilot plantations of T. ciliata have been established in Australia

3.01

(1)Wagner et al. 1990. Mannual of the Flowerng plants of Hawaii (2)http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/pubs/Waiakea.PDF

(1)"sparingly naturalized" in Hawaii (2)Toona ciliata was a common secondary overstory species in both Flindersia brayleyana and Eucalyptus saligna stands [see also question 3.04]

3.02

no evidence

3.03

no evidence

3.04

(1)http://endangered.fws.gov/r/fr94559.html (2)http://endangered.fws.gov/r/fr94530.html (3)http://www.gov.za/gazette/notices/1999/2485.htm

(1)Eleven of the 12 species are threatened by competition with one or more alien plant species. (See Table 2). The most significant of these appear to be… Toona ciliata (2)The Oahu populations of Melicope pallida face strong competition from introduced plants, especially Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse) and Toona ciliata (Australian red cedar). (3)Category 3 declared invader in South Africa

3.05

no evidence

4.01

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

no description of these traits

4.02

no evidence

4.03

no evidence

4.04

http://pppis.fao.org/

leaves used as animal feed

4.05

http://pppis.fao.org/

leaves used as animal feed

4.06

no evidence

4.07

no evidence

4.08

no evidence [single trunked tree]

4.09

(1)CAB International, (2000) Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2) http://pppis.fao.org/

"T. ciliata is an early successional, wide-gap coloniser in rainforest situations, but is capable of regeneration in full sunlight" (Thompson WA, Stocker GC, Kriedemann PE, 1988. Growth and photosynthetic response to light and nutrients of Flindersia brayleyana F. Muell., a rainforest tree with broad tolerance to sun and shade. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology, 15(1-2):299-315; 39 ref.)
 (2)Light requirements: Very bright to light shade; Young trees require shade, while mature trees are moderate light demanders.

4.1

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

Soil and physiography
In Australia the species prefers rich alluvial or volcanic soils for its best development and grows in moist gullies or along stream banks in wind sheltered positions. The species prefers soils having a neutral to acid pH range. It is common on krasozems derived from basalt. Before European settlement the species was plentiful along the banks of most coastal rivers within its overall distribution. Where planted as an exotic T. ciliata performs well on fertile soils at the bottom of slopes. In the Cook Islands the species grows well on well drained and slightly alkaline soils, but does not do well on compact clay or poor sands (Ehrhart, 1992). In Zambia it has been successfully established on light loams and deeper soils near streams (Streets, 1962).
Descriptors
- Soil texture: medium; heavy
- Soil drainage: free; seasonally waterlogged
- Soil reaction: acid; neutral
- Special soil tolerances:
- Soil types: acid soils; red soils; swamp soils; tropical soils; volcanic soils;

4.11

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

"T. ciliata is a tall deciduous tree usually to about 40 m in height and with stem diameters above buttresses of 3m."

4.12

no evidence

5.01

terrestrial

5.02

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

tree; Meliaceae

5.03

no evidence

5.04

tree

6.01

no evidence

6.02

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

"Floyd AG, (1989. Rainforest trees of mainland South-eastern Australia. Melbourne, Australia: Inkata Press. xi + 420pp.; 25 ref.) found that germination of fresh seed is rapid, commencing within 7 days and complete within about 28 days. A similar, moderately quick germination result (1-2 weeks) was achieved by Rai (1985) in India. "

6.03

no evidence

6.04

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

All species in Swietenioideae, including T. ciliata are monoecious with male and female flowers in the same inflorescence (Styles and Khosla, 1976). The reproductive biology of T. ciliata species has not been studied in great detail. Edmonds (1993) considers that the monoecious floral condition of the genus Toona is complicated by an apparently labile sexual system which results in dichogamy, polygamy and anomalous flower development. The exact reproductive system in T. ciliata still requires further detailed research. It is possible that male/female flower ratios within and between trees may vary significantly from year to year.

6.05

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

The flowers of Meliaceae all show features associated with entomophily. Bees and moths are now believed to be the chief pollen vectors. The flowers of Meliaceae, including T. ciliata have a powerful scent which would serve to attract pollinators of various kinds. Gupta et al. (Gupta JK, Kumar J, Kumar R, 1990. Observation on the foraging activity of honey bees and nectar production in 'toon', Toona ciliata Roem. Indian Bee Journal, 52(1-4):34-35; Bj.) found that insects (bees) visited the flowers (Apis mellifera and A. dorsata) in India.

6.06

no evidence

6.07

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

"Trees in open situations produce seed after 6-8 years (Fenton R, Roper RE, Watt GR, 1977. Lowland tropical hardwoods. An annotated bibliography of selected species with plantation potential. 1977, vi + 456 pp.; many ref.)."

7.01

no evidence

7.02

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

Location of introductions
Because of its high quality timber, the species has been trialled in many countries. It has been extensively tested in Hawaii and Central/South America (Argentina and Costa Rica), Sri Lanka and Africa (Republic of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania). The species has been grown on small South Pacific oceanic islands such as Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Solomon Islands (Streets, 1962). Small plantations can be found in Hawaii, Argentina, Puerto Rico and Tonga. From 1959 to 1973, the Hawaii Division of Forestry planted about 5000 acres of T. ciliata using seed of Australian origin (Walters and Wick, 1973). Small but significant plantings also occur on the Tongan island of 'Eua. T. ciliata has performed well in areas free of the tip-moth, Hypsipyla robusta. The species is not attacked by H. grandifolia (of South American origin) and can be grown successfully in areas where this tip moth occurs. Several small pilot plantations of T. ciliata have been established in Australi

7.03

no evidence

7.04

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

"Seeds 1-2 x 0.3-0.5 cm, about 5 per loculus, light brown and membraneously winged at both ends, when attached towards the distal end of the columella, or at one end, when attached to the proximal part. "

7.05

no evidence

7.06

no evidence

7.07

no evidence

7.08

no evidence of ingestion

8.01

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

"Floyd AG, (1989. Rainforest trees of mainland South-eastern Australia. Melbourne, Australia: Inkata Press. xi + 420pp.; 25 ref.) found an average of 200,000-300,000 seeds per kg while the Australian Tree Seed Centre (ATSC) recorded an average viability of 200,000 seeds per kg from tests conducted after recent (1997-1998) range-wide provenances collections of the species in Australia. These figures may be higher for seed collected in areas where the tip moth (Hypsipyla robusta) is absent." [very small, light-weighted seeds]

8.02

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

"Floyd AG, (1989. Rainforest trees of mainland South-eastern Australia. Melbourne, Australia: Inkata Press. xi + 420pp.; 25 ref.) found that germination of fresh seed is rapid, commencing within 7 days and complete within about 28 days. "; "In India Nautiyal and Thapliyal (Nautiyal AR, Thapliyal P, 1993. On the cause of loss of seed viability in Toona ciliata Roem. Indian-Journal-of-Forestry. 1993, 16: 2, 167-169; 7 ref.) reported a rapid drop in seed viability when seed was stored at room temperature, e.g. germination was zero after 90 days at room temperature, but 90% after 360 days of storage at low temperature. "

8.03

no evidence

8.04

http://pppis.fao.org/

sesitive to fire

8.05

http://farrer.riv.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/APOL17/mar00-7.html

Attempts to establish plantations of red cedar and other related species in SE Asia and Australia have been unsuccessful in the past, due to attack from the Cedar Tip Moth (Hypsipyla robusta). The moth's larvae eat the developing shoots, which causes deformity of the tree trunk, extensive branching, and stunted growth, making the tree virtually useless for timber.