Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)


Aristolochia ringens


RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: Evaluate, score: 4


Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Hawai‘i.
Information on Risk Assessments
Original risk assessment

Aristolochia ringens Vahl. Family - Aristolochiaceae. Common Name(s) - gaping dutchman's pipe. Synonym(s) -

Answer

Score

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated? (If answer is 'no' then go to question 2.01)

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)

n

0

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

2

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n

0

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n

0

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

   

3.05

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

y

2

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

n

0

4.02

Allelopathic

4.03

Parasitic

n

0

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

4.05

Toxic to animals

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

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

4.10

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

   

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y

1

4.12

Forms dense thickets

n

0

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

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

n

-1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

n

0

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

6.07

Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1

   

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

y

1

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

n

-1

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

n

-1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

n

-1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

8.02

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

   

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

8.04

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

   

8.05

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

   

Total score:

4

Supporting data:

Notes

Reference

1.01

No evidence.

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1)It is quite adaptable and can be grown in subtropical areas, tropical areas, and any place where temperatures don't frequently drop below 30F. It also does well in low light conditions and can be grown indoors. Will tolerate high humidity or arid climates with little rain, although irrigation should be provided. (2)Temperature: Cold Hardiness: 10a, 10b, 11. (3)Country of Origin: Costa Rica to the Amazon; Jamaica

(1)http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/gaping_dutchmans_pipe.htm [Accessed 28 Feb 2008] (2)http://zipcodezoo.com/Plants/A/Aristolochia_ringens.asp [Accessed 28 Feb 2008] (3)http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/acc_num/198500199.html [Accessed 28 Feb 2008]

2.02

2.03

(1)Temperature: Cold Hardiness: 10a, 10b, 11. (2)Hardiness: USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

(1)http://zipcodezoo.com/Plants/A/Aristolochia_ringens.asp [Accessed 28 Feb 2008] (2)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/63662/ [Accessed 28 Feb 2008]

2.04

(1)Status: Exotic, uncommon, cultivated and escaped. Distribution: On roadsides and in open areas. Native to Brazil; widely cultivated in the Neotropics.

(1)Acevedo-Rodríguez, P. 2005. Vines and Climbing Plants of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, Volume 51: 1-483

2.05

Introduced for ornamental and medicinal purposes around the world. (1)Status: Exotic, uncommon, cultivated and escaped. Distribution: On roadsides and in open areas. Native to Brazil; widely cultivated in the Neotropics. (2)Disturbed tropical hammocks. Rare; Miami-Dade Co. Native to South America. Escaped from cultivation. (3)Native of tropical America; naturalized in several parts of Nigeria; cultivated in Gold Coast.(4)Aristolochia ringens Vahl. Originally from Brazil and thus not a native species, but sometimes grown as an ornamental and I have seen it "escape" into nearby (disturbed) forest in both the Corozal and Toledo districts. (5)Aristolochia ringens is naturalized in Florida. I suspect it is a native of South America and only secondarily introduced in our area. (6)Voucher specimens: DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Leopoldville Prov., Thysville Terr., M’Vuazi, v.1960, P. Compère 2073 (K). IVORY COAST: Adiopodoumé, 16 km W of Abidjan (naturalized), 8.ix.1963, W. de Wilde 875 (K). NIGERIA: 3–4 miles NW of Ibadan, 200 m (naturalized), xi.1936, R.J. Newberry & A.E. Etim s.n. (K). (7)*Aristolochia ringens Vahl [first record of naturalisation in Australia: Cook Hwy, 22 km N of Cairns, D.P.A.Sands]. (8)List of exotic plants that have naturalised within the Wet Tropics Bioregion [Australian list includes A. ringens]

(1)Acevedo-Rodríguez, P. 2005. Vines and Climbing Plants of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, Volume 51: 1-483 (2)Wunderlin, R. P. and B. F. Hansen. 2003. Guide to the Vascular Plants of Florida. University Press of Florida. Gainesville, FL. (3)http://www.aluka.org/action/showMetadata?doi=10.5555/AL.AP.FLORA.FWTA320&pgs= [Accessed 27 Feb 2008] (4)http://biological-diversity.info/native_aristolochia.htm#ringens [Accessed 27 Feb 2008] (5)Pfeifer, H. W. 1966. Revision of the North and Central American Hexandrous Species of Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae). Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 53(2): 115-196. (6)De Groot, H., S. Wanke and C. Neinhuis. 2006. Revision of the genus Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae) in Africa, Madagascar and adjacent islands. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 151: 219–238. (7)Queensland Herbarium. 2001. New Taxa and Combinations of Queensland Plants: December 1989 to June 1999. Queensland, Australia. (8)Werren, G. 2001

3.01

(1)Status: Exotic, uncommon, cultivated and escaped. Distribution: On roadsides and in open areas. Native to Brazil; widely cultivated in the Neotropics. (2)Disturbed tropical hammocks. Rare; Miami-Dade Co. Native to South America. Escaped from cultivation. (3)Native of tropical America; naturalized in several parts of Nigeria; cultivated in Gold Coast.(4)Aristolochia ringens Vahl. Originally from Brazil and thus not a native species, but sometimes grown as an ornamental and I have seen it "escape" into nearby (disturbed) forest in both the Corozal and Toledo districts. (5)Aristolochia ringens is naturalized in Florida. I suspect it is a native of South America and only secondarily introduced in our area. (6)Voucher specimens: DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Leopoldville Prov., Thysville Terr., M’Vuazi, v.1960, P. Compère 2073 (K). IVORY COAST: Adiopodoumé, 16 km W of Abidjan (naturalized), 8.ix.1963, W. de Wilde 875 (K). NIGERIA: 3–4 miles NW of Ibadan, 200 m (naturalized), xi.1936, R.J. Newberry & A.E. Etim s.n. (K). (7)*Aristolochia ringens Vahl [first record of naturalisation in Australia: Cook Hwy, 22 km N of Cairns, D.P.A.Sands]. (8)List of exotic plants that have naturalised within the Wet Tropics Bioregion [Australian list includes A. ringens]

(1)Acevedo-Rodríguez, P. 2005. Vines and Climbing Plants of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, Volume 51: 1-483 (2)Wunderlin, R. P. and B. F. Hansen. 2003. Guide to the Vascular Plants of Florida. University Press of Florida. Gainesville, FL. (3)http://www.aluka.org/action/showMetadata?doi=10.5555/AL.AP.FLORA.FWTA320&pgs= [Accessed 27 Feb 2008] (4)http://biological-diversity.info/native_aristolochia.htm#ringens [Accessed 27 Feb 2008] (5)Pfeifer, H. W. 1966. Revision of the North and Central American Hexandrous Species of Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae). Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 53(2): 115-196. (6)De Groot, H., S. Wanke and C. Neinhuis. 2006. Revision of the genus Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae) in Africa, Madagascar and adjacent islands. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 151: 219–238. (7)Queensland Herbarium. 2001. New Taxa and Combinations of Queensland Plants: December 1989 to June 1999. Queensland, Australia. (8)Werren, G. 2001

3.02

No evidence of impacts

3.03

No evidence of impacts

3.04

Listed as an environmental weed, but no evidence of impacts for this species (1)cultivation escape, environmental weed, garden thug, naturalised, sleeper weed, weed

(1)http://www.hear.org/gcw/species/aristolochia_ringens/ [Accessed 28 Feb 2008]

3.05

(1)Aristolochia elegans...Widely cultivated in the tropics. Relatively common in closed forests in south-eastern Queensland. Suspected of poisoning livestock. Also considered a problem in Australia as bird wing butterflies, Ornithoptera priamus and Ornithoptera richmondii, lay eggs on this plant in mistake for their native Aristolochia hosts. Eggs hatch but larvae are unable to develop on Dutchman’s Pipe. (2)A. elegans has naturalised in north eastern New South Wales and in Queensland, primarily in high rainfall, coastal areas including the Conondale Ranges, Coomera River catchment, Mary River, around Cairns and in many State forests...A. elegans can be controlled by either mechanical or chemical means and was eradicated from Burleigh Heads National Park in Queensland (Scott, pers. comm.). Community groups are trying to eradicate this plant from several other locations in Queensland.

(1)http://www.weeds.org.au/cgi-bin/weedident.cgi?tpl=plant.tpl&ibra=all&card=V14 [Accessed 27 Feb 2008] (2)Csurhes, S. and R. Edwards.1998. National Weeds Program; Potential Environmental Weeds in Australia; Candidate Species for Preventative Control. Queensland Department of Natural Resources. Queensland, Australia.

4.01

(1)No evidence

(1)Acevedo-Rodríguez, P. 2005. Vines and Climbing Plants of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, Volume 51: 1-483

4.02

No information for A. ringens, but possible as other members exhibit allelopathic properties. (1)This work analyzed the effects of aqueous extractsof Aristolochia esperanzae organs in the germination and initial growth of lettuce and radish...The extract concentration was the main responsible for the promotion or inhibition caused on lettuce and radish seedlings growth. (2)Abstract: The allelopathic influences of Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. was examined on seed germination and seedling growth of Cucumis sativus L. The allelopathic pattern varied in each of the tests and this depends upon type of test material. Seed germination, root and hypocotyl growth were more hampered by root extract, water soluble with volatile substances(s) and root leachates. The plant is chemically analyzed and the presence of Aristolochic acid and a triterpenoids by HPTLC method is confirmed.

(1)GATTI, Ana Beatriz, PEREZ, Sonia Cristina Juliano Gualtieri de Andrade and LIMA, Maria Inês Salgueiro. 2004. Allelopathic activity of aqueous extracts of Aristolochia esperanzae O. Kuntze in the germination and growth of Lactuca sativa L. and Raphanus sativus L. Acta Bot. Bras. [online]. 18)3: 459-472. (2)Avchar, B. K. and S. S. Deokule. 2007. Allelopathic influences of Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. on seed germination and seedling growth of Cucumis sativus L. Geobios (Jodhpur) 34(2-3): 182-186.

4.03

No evidence

4.04

Unknown for vertebrate herbivores, but chemical in Aristolochia spp. may make plant unpalatable. (1)From this study, it is becoming evident that Ar. ringens and Al. sativum displayed some potential as antifeedants, food poisons, contact poisons and repellents. The results therefore strongly suggest the possibility of using the extracts of these plants as toxicants, repellents and food poisoning agents against S. zeamais. (2)Aristolochic acids (Figure 4, 14) have been found only in plants belonging to the family Aristolochiaceae; biosynthetically, they are nitrophenanthrenes derived from aporphine alkaloids. The unpalatability of these compounds has been postulated by several authors, but only one bioassay has been done with pure aristolochic acid, where the Japanese tree sparrow Passer montanus rejected rice grains treated with these compounds. However, the authors pointed out that aristolochic acids alone have lower activity than that the total osmeterium secretion from the Asiatic Troidini Atrophaneura alcinous, which also contains sesquiterpenes and a complex mixture of more polar components, possibly sequestered from the host plant (Aristolochia debilis).

(1)Arannilewa, S. T., T. Ekrakene and J. O. Akinneye. 2006. Laboratory evaluation of four medicinal plants as protectants against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Mots). African Journal of Biotechnology 5(21): 2032-2036. (2)Trigo, J, R. 2000. The chemistry of antipredator defense by secondary compounds in neotropical lepidoptera: facts, perspectives and caveats. Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society 11(6): 551-561.

4.05

Unknown for A. ringens, but Aristolochia spp. may contain chemicals that are toxic to animals. (1)From this study, it is becoming evident that Ar. ringens and Al. sativum displayed some potential as antifeedants, food poisons, contact poisons and repellents. The results therefore strongly suggest the possibility of using the extracts of these plants as toxicants, repellents and food poisoning agents against S. zeamais.

(1)Arannilewa, S. T., T. Ekrakene and J. O. Akinneye. 2006. Laboratory evaluation of four medicinal plants as protectants against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Mots). African Journal of Biotechnology 5(21): 2032-2036.

4.06

Unknown

4.07

Although ingestion of plant parts may result in poisoning, there if no evidence that Aristolochia spp. cause allergies or are toxic upon contact. (1)Chewsticks: In terms of volume of wood content, chewsticks are the most expensive wood in Nigerian forests. The widely used plants for chewsticks are given in Table 10. These species are intensively harvested in the rainforests zones of Edo, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti and Osun states. The common species used as chewsticks and medicine include the roots of:...Aristolochia ringens - for stomach disorders...These species improve the health of the teeth and prevent snake bites. (2)Abstract: Aristolochia species have been administered by those trained in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. After determining Aristolochia fangchi was an adulterant that caused death due to renal failure in a number of patients at a Belgian weight loss clinic, many countries took steps to regulate products containing Aristolochia fangchi as well as other Aristolochia species. The US FDA issued a Consumer Advisory 'advising consumers to stop using any products that may likely contain aristolochic acid'. The Aristolochia and Asarum genera both have been found to contain aristolochic acids. A number of websites have been found from which individuals can order products containing either Aristolochia or Asarum as an ingredient through US merchants. We purchased 25 products from such sites and analyzed them for the presence of anstolochic acid I and II by HPLC with PDA. Six of the products contained detectable amounts of I and II. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

(1)Osemeobo, G.J. and G. Ujor. 1999. The Non-Wood Forest Products of Nigeria. Federal Department of Forestry, Abuja, Nigeria. (2)Schaneberg, B. T. and I. A. Khan. 2004. Analysis of products suspected of containing Aristolochia or Asarum species. Journal of Ethnopharmacology Volume: 94(2-3): 245-249.

4.08

No evidence. Growth habit unlikely to carry fire.

 

4.09

(1)It also does well in low light conditions and can be grown indoors. Will tolerate high humidity or arid climates with little rain, although irrigation should be provided. Grow in full sun or shade. (2)Sun Exposure: Light Shade

(1)http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/gaping_dutchmans_pipe.htm [Accessed 28 Feb 2008] (2)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/63662/ [Accessed 28 Feb 2008]

4.10

Minimal information on soil types for this species. (1)Average, well-drained soil (2)In favorable conditions, these plants can be grown outdoors in a sunny or partly sunny position in rich well-drained soil.

(1)Llamas, K. A. 2003. Tropical Flowering Plants: A Guide to Identification and Cultivation. Timber Press. Portland, OR. (2)http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s1866495.htm [Accessed 28 Feb 2008]

4.11

(1)Slightly woody vine, twining, attaining 5 m in length.

(1)Acevedo-Rodríguez, P. 2005. Vines and Climbing Plants of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, Volume 51: 1-483

4.12

(1)Slightly woody vine, twining, attaining 5 m in length.

(1)Acevedo-Rodríguez, P. 2005. Vines and Climbing Plants of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, Volume 51: 1-483

5.01

Terrestrial

5.02

Aristolochiaceae

5.03

Aristolochiaceae

5.04

No evidence

6.01

No evidence

6.02

(1)Capsule 6-11 cm long, oblong or oblanceolate, with 6 ribs, the apex mucronate, the base acute; seeds numerous, rhomboid, winged, 7-15 mm long. Phenology: Flowering and fruiting throughout the year. (2)Propagation: By seed.

(1)Acevedo-Rodríguez, P. 2005. Vines and Climbing Plants of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, Volume 51: 1-483 (2)http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/gaping_dutchmans_pipe.htm [Accessed 28 Feb 2008]

6.03

Unknown. No evidence of natural hybridization. (1)Aristolochia ringens and A. lubiata probably hybridize to form A. cyinbifera Mart. & Zucc.

(1)Pfeifer, H. W. 1966. Revision of the North and Central American Hexandrous Species of Aristolochia (Aristolochiaceae). Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 53(2): 115-196.

6.04

Functionally self-incompatible. (1)The flowers are protogynous. With pollination, the anthers dehisce and the rigid hairs in the tube wilt, allowing the flies to escape and carry pollen to another bloom. (2) From spring to summer, the vine produces quantities of 12 cm long fragrant flowers scattered among the drooping leaves. The flowers trap insect pollinators and facilitate cross pollination.

(1)Pfeifer, H. W. M. 1960. Aristolochiaceae. Pp. 291-323 in C. T. Rizzini (ed). Flora of Panama. Part IV. Fascicle III. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 47(4): 263-359. (2)http://www.rarexoticseeds.com/Exotique/Graines_Aristolochia_Ringens_Seeds_Graines_Aristoloche.html [Accessed 29 Feb 2008]

6.05

Although Aristolochia spp. have specialized pollination syndromes, the flowers attract generalist insect pollinators. (1)Most European and tropical species of Aristolochia are believed to be pollinated by small flies attracted to the flowers by the fetid odors and purple-brown color. Flies enter the flower when the stigmas are receptive and are trapped until after the anthers dehisce. (2)The flowers ostensibly are pollinated by various species of Diptera...The Diptera, doubtless attracted by the color and odor of the blooms, are trapped within the utricle since they are able to pass only inward over the hairs. The flowers are protogynous. With pollination, the anthers dehisce and the rigid hairs in the tube wilt, allowing the flies to escape and carry pollen to another bloom.

(1)http://zipcodezoo.com/Plants/A/Aristolochia_ringens.asp [Accessed 28 Feb 2008] (2)Pfeifer, H. W. M. 1960. Aristolochiaceae. Pp. 291-323 in C. T. Rizzini (ed). Flora of Panama. Part IV. Fascicle III. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 47(4): 263-359.

6.06

Unknown. No evidence from natural populations (1)Propagation Methods:From herbaceous stem cuttings

(1)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/63662/ [Accessed 29 Feb 2008]

6.07

Unknown, but probably less than 4 years.

 

7.01

No evidence

7.02

Ornamental and medicinal plant (1)Commonly grown for its ornate flowers.

(1)http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/gaping_dutchmans_pipe.htm [Accessed 29 Feb 2008]

7.03

Not grown with produce.

7.04

(1)seeds numerous, rhomboid, winged, 7-15 mm long.(2)Seeds of many species of Aristolochia are adapted to at least two different dispersal mechanisms, anemochory and zoochory. Winged, flattened seeds are found in a number of species.

(1)Acevedo-Rodríguez, P. 2005. Vines and Climbing Plants of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, Volume 51: 1-483 (2)Gonzalez, F. 1999. A Phylogenetic Analysis of the Aristolochioideae (Aristolochiaceae). PhD Dissertation. City University of New York.

7.05

Unknown whether seeds are buoyant

 

7.06

(1)seeds numerous, rhomboid, winged, 7-15 mm long.

(1)Acevedo-Rodríguez, P. 2005. Vines and Climbing Plants of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, Volume 51: 1-483

7.07

No mechanism for attachment

 

7.08

Unlikely that seeds would be eaten by animals.

 

8.01

Unknown

8.02

Unknown

8.03

Unknown

8.04

Unknown

8.05

Unknown


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