Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)


Asparagus falcatus


RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: High risk, score: 11


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

Asparagus falcatus L. Family - Liliaceae. Common Names(s) - Sicklethorn, Asparagus fern. Synonym(s) - Asparagus falcatus var. falcatus Bresler.

Answer

Score

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

0

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=1, n=-1

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y=-1, n=-1

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

1

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

y

1

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range?

y=-2, ?=-1, n=0

n

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

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)

n=0

3.05

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

n=0

y

2

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.10

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

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

0

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

y

1

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

1

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

0

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

6.07

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

See left

7.01

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas)

y=1, n=-1

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

y

1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

8.02

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

y=1, n=-1

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

8.04

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

y=1, n=-1

8.05

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

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

11

Supporting data:

Notes

Source

1.01

No evidence

 

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1)climate: subtropical (2)Native to Zimbabwe...In evergreen forest on forest margins and in dense scrub. (3)Distribution: KENYA Kwale District: N of Jadini, 3 Dec. 1959, Greenway 9623!; Lamu District: Boni Forest, no date, Adamson 343 in Bally 5837! Naivasha District: 8 km N of Kinango, 25 Nov. 1958, Moomaw 1046! TANZANIA Zanzibar, Pwani Mchangani, 26 Jan. 1929, Greenway 1201! Lindi District: Rondo Plateau, 16 June 1995, Clarke 40!; Tanga District: Amboni to Kibuguni, 25 Nov. 1936, Greenway 4781!; Uzaramo District: Dar es Salaam, Ubungo, 27 Nov. 1968, Mwasumbi 10416!; UGANDA Ankole District: 6 Sept. 1905, Dawe 470!; Masaka District: 1– 2 km E of Kikoma, 19 Oct. 1969, Lye 4442! Mengo District: Bulwada [Balwada], Gomba, March 1932, Eggeling 596!;

(1)http://www.indoor-plant-care.com/indoor_plant.asp?title=Asparagus+falcatus%2CAsparagus+Fern%2C&item=plant_details&id_razred=12&id=371 [Accessed 11 Aug 2008] (2)http://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=114770 [Accessed 11 Aug 2008]

2.02

Species native to tropical and subtrpical regions

 

2.03

(1)Found in upland forests and woodlands, but sometimes scrambling on bushes in drier areas; altitude range 5-2000m (16-6550 ft). [elevation range >1000 m]

(1)Blundell, M. Collins 1987. Photo Guide to the Wild Flowers of East Africa. Harper Collins Publishers. Hong Kong.

2.04

(1)climate: subtropical (2)Native to Zimbabwe...In evergreen forest on forest margins and in dense scrub. (3)Distribution: KENYA Kwale District: N of Jadini, 3 Dec. 1959, Greenway 9623!; Lamu District: Boni Forest, no date, Adamson 343 in Bally 5837! Naivasha District: 8 km N of Kinango, 25 Nov. 1958, Moomaw 1046! TANZANIA Zanzibar, Pwani Mchangani, 26 Jan. 1929, Greenway 1201! Lindi District: Rondo Plateau, 16 June 1995, Clarke 40!; Tanga District: Amboni to Kibuguni, 25 Nov. 1936, Greenway 4781!; Uzaramo District: Dar es Salaam, Ubungo, 27 Nov. 1968, Mwasumbi 10416!; UGANDA Ankole District: 6 Sept. 1905, Dawe 470!; Masaka District: 1– 2 km E of Kikoma, 19 Oct. 1969, Lye 4442! Mengo District: Bulwada [Balwada], Gomba, March 1932, Eggeling 596!;

(1)http://www.indoor-plant-care.com/indoor_plant.asp?title=Asparagus+falcatus%2CAsparagus+Fern%2C&item=plant_details&id_razred=12&id=371 [Accessed 11 Aug 2008] (2)http://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=114770 [Accessed 11 Aug 2008]

2.05

Mostly sold as an ornamental house plant

 

3.01

(1)Asparagus falcatus L. Qld (naturalised) (2)Asparagus falcatus L. Liliaceae - Asparagaceae Weed - N [N: This plant has naturalised somewhere in Australia.] (3)This weed is starting to be seen more and more often in our waterways, having escaped from gardens and naturalising in the shady riparian zones. [Australia]

(1)http://www.chah.gov.au/chah/apc/interim/Liliaceae.pdf [Accessed 11 Aug 2008] (2)Randall, R.P. 2007. The introduced flora of Australia and its weed status. CRC for Australian Weed Management. Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia. (3)http://www.saveourwaterwaysnow.com.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=51 [Accessed 11 Aug 2008]

3.02

No evidence

3.03

(1)It has been known to reseed and establish in adjoining irrigated areas, such as citrus groves, where it is definitely not wanted [no mention of impacts, but reference suggests possibility that this plant may interfere with agriculture]

(1)Jones, W.D. and C. Sacamano. 2000. Landscape Plants for Dry Regions: More Than 600 Species from Around the World. Westview Press. New York, NY.

3.04

(1)This weed is starting to be seen more and more often in our waterways, having escaped from gardens and naturalising in the shady riparian zones. [Australia. No evidence of impacts but beginning to attract notice and becoming a cause for concern]

(1)http://www.saveourwaterwaysnow.com.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=51 [Accessed 11 Aug 2008]

3.05

(1)Abstract: Bridal creeper, Asparagus asparagoides (L.) Druce, is a declared Weed of National Significance (WoNS) in Australia and a national strategic plan has been in place since 2001 to advance its management. Whilst the plan is largely focused on bridal creeper, its scope includes other Asparagus weeds in Australia. A national workshop was held in November 2005 to document progress against the plan and determine future priorities in Asparagus weed management. Key achievements to date include (i) the establishment of active national, state and regional committees, managing strategic and on-ground projects, (ii) national distribution of biological control agents for bridal creeper, (iii) production of best-practice management guides and strategic containment of other, emerging Asparagus weeds. Key future priorities for the National Asparagus Weeds Management Committee are the post-biocontrol recovery of native vegetation, early intervention against the newly discovered Western Cape form of bridal creeper and strategic investment into national management of other Asparagus species.

(1)Gannawaya, Dennis J. and Virtue, John G. 2006. Progress against the national bridal creeper strategic plan and future priorities for Asparagus weed management in Australia. Plant Protection Quarterly 21(3): 122-125.

4.01

(1)Branches with smooth, terete to angled stem, glabrous; spines recurved, on the main stem 5– 7(– 10) mm long, widened at the base (2)The woody stems are light grey with short, hooked hard thorns.

(1)http://www.aluka.org/action/showMetadata?doi=10.5555/AL.AP.FLORA.FTEA003532&pgs= [Accessed 08 Aug 2008] (2)http://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=114770 [Accessed 11 Aug 2008]

4.02

No evidence

 

4.03

Asparagus not parasitic

 

4.04

Unknown whether plant may be "deer resistant because of chemicals or thorns (1)A. falcatus listed as a deer-resistant plant (2)Plants usually avoided by deer [includes A. falcatus]

(1)Coey, B. and Kenneth Mayer. 2008. A Gardener’s Guide to Preventing Deer Damage. California Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Programs Branch,. Available from http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/docs/gardenersguide.pdf [Accessed 08 Aug 2008] (2)http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/filelibrary/5669/33458.pdf [Accessed 11 Aug 2008]

4.05

Related

Asparagus spp. with varying levels of toxicity. No information founf for A. falcatus (1)Poisonous Part: Young raw shoots (stems), berries...Symptoms: Contact dermatitis from young, raw shoots. Eating of berries may cause gastrointestinal problems.[description for A. officinalis] (2)Animal Poison Control. Toxic Plant List
Asparagus Fern
Common Name: Asparagus Fern
Scientific Name: Asparagus sprengeri
Family: Liliaceae
Toxic Principle: not available
Clinical signs: allergic dermatitis with repeated dermal exposure. Berry ingestion could result in gastric upset (vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.) (3)Asparagus Fern—(Asparagus setaceus plumosus) toxic-dermatitis.

(1)http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Asparof.htm [Accessed 11 Aug 2008] (2)http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_toxic_asparagusfern [Accessed 11 Aug 2008] (3)http://lancaster.unl.edu/factsheets/031.htm [Accessed 11 Aug 2008]

4.06

(1)Prone to spider mites, aphids, scale and thrips [No evidence that A. falcatus is an important host of pests or pathogens]

(1)http://www.plantcare.com/encyclopedia/bamboo-fern-128.aspx [Accessed 11 Aug 2008]

4.07

Related

Asparagus spp. with varying levels of toxicity. No information founf for A. falcatus (1)Poisonous Part: Young raw shoots (stems), berries...Symptoms: Contact dermatitis from young, raw shoots. Eating of berries may cause gastrointestinal problems.[description for A. officinalis] (2)Animal Poison Control. Toxic Plant List
Asparagus Fern
Common Name: Asparagus Fern
Scientific Name: Asparagus sprengeri
Family: Liliaceae
Toxic Principle: not available
Clinical signs: allergic dermatitis with repeated dermal exposure. Berry ingestion could result in gastric upset (vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.) (3)Asparagus Fern—(Asparagus setaceus plumosus) toxic-dermatitis.

(1)http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Asparof.htm [Accessed 11 Aug 2008] (2)http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_toxic_asparagusfern [Accessed 11 Aug 2008] (3)http://lancaster.unl.edu/factsheets/031.htm [Accessed 11 Aug 2008]

4.08

No evidence [lacy leaf structure could be flammable under dry conditions and climbing habit could help spread flames to taller plants]

 

4.09

(1)This weed is starting to be seen more and more often in our waterways, having escaped from gardens and naturalising in the shady riparian zones. [Australia] ( 2)Also grows in shade, but becomes "leggy" as it tries to reach the sun. [shade tolerant, but habit in shade detracts from ornamental value]

(1)http://www.saveourwaterwaysnow.com.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=51 [Accessed 11 Aug 2008] (2)Jones, W.D. and C. Sacamano. 2000. Landscape Plants for Dry Regions: More Than 600 Species from Around the World. Westview Press. New York, NY.

4.10

(1)Soil Type: A GOOD general purpose potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well) will suffice. (2)Tolerant of a wide variety of soils

(1)http://www.plantcare.com/encyclopedia/bamboo-fern-128.aspx [Accessed 11 Aug 2008] (2)Jones, W.D. and C. Sacamano. 2000. Landscape Plants for Dry Regions: More Than 600 Species from Around the World. Westview Press. New York, NY.

4.11

(1)A much-branched, glabrous climber or scrambler with tortuous, smooth, pale stems

(1)Blundell, M. Collins 1987. Photo Guide to the Wild Flowers of East Africa. Harper Collins Publishers. Hong Kong.

4.12

A climber [Answer "Yes" to 4.11]

 

5.01

Terrestrial

5.02

Liliaceae

5.03

Liliaceae

5.04

(1)tuberous roots…Asparagus can be propagated by stem cuttings and roots.

(1)http://www.acfd101.com/2008/02/hathawariya.html [Accessed 08 Aug 2008]

6.01

(1)No evidence

(1)Blundell, M. Collins 1987. Photo Guide to the Wild Flowers of East Africa. Harper Collins Publishers. Hong Kong.

6.02

(1)The seeds also can be used for propagation.

(1)http://www.acfd101.com/2008/02/hathawariya.html [Accessed 08 Aug 2008]

6.03

No information for A. falcatus, but hybridization documented within genus (1)Considering these examples of interspecific hybrid generation, it is clear that further elucidation of phylogenetic relationships within the genus Asparagus may be useful in choosing the most appropriate wild relatives for hybrid breeding.

(1)TATSUYA FUKUDA, HIROKI ASHIZAWA, RYOKO SUZUKI, TOSHINORI OCHIAI, TORU NAKAMURA, AKIRA KANNO, TOSHIAKI KAMEYA and JUN YOKOYAMA. 2005. Molecular phylogeny of the genus Asparagus (Asparagaceae) inferred from plastid petB intron and petD–rpoA intergenic spacer sequences. Plant Species Biology 20(2): 121–132.

6.04

(1)Flowers; regular, bisexual, white, fragrant, laxly few flowered in sub corymbiform racemes 1.2- 1.8 cm in length, bracts minute, pedicels capillary, jointed below the middle; perianth about 2 mm diameter, rotate, segments oblong, obtuse, stamens 6, anthers minute, subglobose; [unknown whether plant is self-compatible]

(1)http://www.acfd101.com/2008/02/hathawariya.html [Accessed 11 Aug 2008]

6.05

(1)The flowers in the family are somewhat small and inconspicuous…Many also are fragrant (e.g., species of Asparagus…). Insects (usually bees) visit to collect nectar…or sometimes pollen…[family description]

(1)Zomlefer, W. B. 1994.Guide to Flowering Plant Families. The University of North Carolina Press. Chapel Hill, NC.

6.06

(1) Division and seeds in the spring. After dividing plant re-plant in the plant's regular potting mix. (2)Asparagus can be propagated by stem cuttings and roots. The seeds also can be used for propagation. [no information on natural vegetative spread, but possibly with tuberous roots]

(1)http://www.plantcare.com/encyclopedia/bamboo-fern-128.aspx [Accessed 11 Aug 2008] (2)http://www.acfd101.com/2008/02/hathawariya.html [Accessed 11 Aug 2008]

6.07

Don't know

7.01

Possibly, if able to spread vegetatively as other Asparagus spp. are able to in waste cuttings (1)HABITATS : Locally common. Bush edges, moderate to high light intensity areas. Farm hedges, gardens and roadsides. DISPERSAL ROUTES, VECTORS, INFESTATION SOURCES : Garden waste. Seed dispersed by birds. (2)"May originate from garden rubbish "

(1)http://www.ebop.govt.nz/weeds/weed20.asp (2)Weeds in New Zealand. Available: http://www.envbop.govt.nz/green/weed18.htm

7.02

(1)Asparagus falcatus ASPARAGACEAE SICKLE THORN, THORNY CREEPER, DORINGTOU Much branched twining shrub or tall climber, slender woody branches, glossy dark green leaves, large sharp spines, small white very sweet smelling flowers, red berries, in winter, sun to light shade, sow spring or summer, suitable for indoors. [seeds sold commercially]

(1)http://www.sanbi.org/products/SeedCatalogue2008.pdf [Accessed 11 Aug 2008]

7.03

No evidence that seeds contaminate crops

 

7.04

(1)Very fleshy red berry, usually single-seeded.

(1)Blundell, M. Collins 1987. Photo Guide to the Wild Flowers of East Africa. Harper Collins Publishers. Hong Kong.

7.05

(1)This weed is starting to be seen more and more often in our waterways, having escaped from gardens and naturalising in the shady riparian zones. [distribution along waterways suggests the seeds could be buoyant and are possibly water dispersed]

(1)http://www.saveourwaterwaysnow.com.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=51 [Accessed 11 Aug 2008]

7.06

(1)Very fleshy red berry, usually single-seeded.

(1)Blundell, M. Collins 1987. Photo Guide to the Wild Flowers of East Africa. Harper Collins Publishers. Hong Kong.

7.07

No means of external attachment

 

7.08

(1)Very fleshy red berry, usually single-seeded.

(1)Blundell, M. Collins 1987. Photo Guide to the Wild Flowers of East Africa. Harper Collins Publishers. Hong Kong.

8.01

(1)Very fleshy red berry, usually single-seeded.

(1)Blundell, M. Collins 1987. Photo Guide to the Wild Flowers of East Africa. Harper Collins Publishers. Hong Kong.

8.02

No information on seed banks or viability

 

8.03

No information on control [some Asparagus spp. can be controlled with herbicides whereas others are difficult to control]

 

8.04

(1)tuberous roots…Asparagus can be propagated by stem cuttings and roots [possibly able to regenerate from roots as can other species of Asparagus]

(1)http://www.acfd101.com/2008/02/hathawariya.html [Accessed 08 Aug 2008]

8.05

Don't know


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