Beccariophoenix madagascariensis Jum. & H. Perrier. Family - Arecaceae. Common names - Window Palm, Giant window pane palm, Manarano palm, Maruala palm.

Answer

Score

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

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

n

-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)

n

0

3.05

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

n

0

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

n

0

4.02

Allelopathic

n

0

4.03

Parasitic

n

0

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

4.05

Toxic to animals

n

0

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

n

0

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

n

0

4.1

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

n

0

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

n

0

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

y

1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

n

-1

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

n

-1

6.07

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

>4+

-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

n

-1

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

n

-1

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y

1

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

n

-1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y

1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

n

-1

8.02

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

n

-1

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

8.04

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

n

-1

8.05

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

Total score:

-7

Notes

Reference

1.01

(1) Critically endangered in native range.

(1) IUCN. 2004. Red list of endangered species. Gland: IUCN.

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1) the genus is endemic to Madagascar (2) B. madagascariensis grows in in the eastern section only of the Analamazoatra district of Madagascar at heights of 900-1000 metres as a canopy emergent in tropical rainforest.

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608. (2) http://www.pacsoa.org.au/palms/Beccariophoenix/madagascariensis.html [31 Oct 2007]

2.02

2.03

(1) The northern populations occur at higher elevation, in evergreen, mountain ridge top forest, whereas the ‘window form’ is found at lower elevation in the perhumid climate zone on lateritic soils (2) Hardiness: USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F) 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) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608. (2) http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/60817/ [31 Oct 2007].

2.04

(1) the genus is endemic to Madagascar (2) B. madagascariensis grows in in the eastern section only of the Analamazoatra district of Madagascar at heights of 900-1000 metres as a canopy emergent in tropical rainforest.

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608. (2) http://www.pacsoa.org.au/palms/Beccariophoenix/madagascariensis.html [31 Oct 2007]

2.05

(1)This plant has been said to grow in the following regions: Los Angeles, California, Oceanside, California, San Diego, California, Thousand Oaks, California, Naples, Florida, Palm Bay, Florida, Venice, Florida (2) In addition, since its rediscovery in 1986, the species has been highly prized for cultivation outside Madagascar.

(1) http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/60817/ (2) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

3.01

(1) No evidence of naturalization.

(1) http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinameb.htm (31 Oct 2007)

3.02

(1) No evidence

(1) http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinameb.htm (31 Oct 2007)

3.03

(1) No evidence

(1) http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinameb.htm (31 Oct 2007)

3.04

(1) No evidence

(1) http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinameb.htm (31 Oct 2007)

3.05

(1) No evidence

(1) http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinameb.htm (31 Oct 2007)

4.01

(1)Beccariophoenix madagascariensis Jum. & H. Perrier is a massive unarmed robust, solitary, pleonanthic, monoecious, tree palm. (2) Is a good palm for those who want a canariensis sized palm without the spines.

(1)http://www.pacsoa.org.au/palms/Beccariophoenix/madagascariensis.html (2) http://junglemusic.net/palms/beccariophoenix-madgascariensis.htm [31 Oct 2007]

4.02

(1) No evidence

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

4.03

(1) No evidence

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

4.04

Don’t know.

4.05

(1) No evidence.

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

4.06

(1) No evidence

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

4.07

(1) Our results indicate that cyanogenesis is rather rare in the family. (2) Becariophoenix clearly has high local importance value as it is known (the species has a local name) and has many uses including food and construction.

(1) Lewis, C. E. and S. Zona. 1999. A survey of cyanogenesis in palms (Arecaceae). Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 28: 219-228. (2) Dransfield, J. and H. Beentje. 1995. The Palms of Madagascar. London: Royal Botanic Gardens Kew/ International Palm Society, Kew.

4.08

(1) Whilst repeated burning can reduce the area of forest, adult palms are resistant to single burns owing to their stem physiology.

(1) Tomlinson, P. B. 2006. The uniqueness of palms. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 151: 5–14.

4.09

(1) Bright filtered light (2) Sun to Partial Shade (3) Sun Requirements: Part day or full.

(1) Allbrecht Llamas, K. 2003. Tropical Flowring Plants: A Guide to Identification and Cultivation. Timber Press. Portland, OR. (2) http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/60817/ (3) http://junglemusic.net/palms/beccariophoenix-madgascariensis.htm [31 Oct 2007]

4.1

(1) Beccariophoenix madagascariensis grows in evergreen humid forest types (rainforest) in low nutrient soils in two disjunct areas within Madagascar (2) It grows in semi-shade, likes rich well-drained soil with lots of humus.

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608. (2) Dransfield, J. 1988. Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Principes 32(2): 59-68.

4.11

(1) Beccariophoenix madagascariensis is a large majestic palm growing to approximately 12 m tall

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

4.12

(1) No evidence

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

5.01

(1) Beccariophoenix madagascariensis is a large majestic palm growing to approximately 12 m tall

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

5.02

(1) Beccariophoenix madagascariensis is a large majestic palm growing to approximately 12 m tall

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

5.03

Palm Family

5.04

Palm Family

6.01

(1) The populations were inbred but reproductive viability had been maintained.

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

6.02

(1) Germination trials found that seeds which passed through the gut of lemurs sprouted faster and in greater numbers than seeds not eaten by lemurs (2) Seeds from this species ...easy to germinate and need up to 1 month to sprout.  

(1) Dew J. L. and P. Wright. 1998. Frugivory and seed dispersal by four species of primates in Madagascar’s eastern rain forest. Biotropica 30: 425–437. (2) http://www.rarepalmseeds.com/pix/BecMad.shtml [31 Oct 2007]

6.03

(1) Possibly, but inconsequential as this is an endemic genus with only two, highly endangered species.

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

6.04

(1) This study found that the populations were inbred and that population demographic size needs to be increased to increase the potential for outcrossing but that the ability to self pollinate had enabled critically small populations to maintain reproductive viability.

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

6.05

(1) Pollinators are not yet known but bees, beetles and ants were observed visiting flowers; the timing of beetle visitors indicating they were the most likely pollinator. [palm flowers with easily accessible nectar and pollen]

(1) Rakotoarinivo M. 2005. Etude Demographique de Beccariophoenix madagascariensis Jum. Et H.Perrir. (Palmae) A Sainte Luce (Fort-Dauphin) en vue de la conservation de l’espece. MSc thesis, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

6.06

(1) No evidence of vegetative spread in the wild.

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

6.07

(1) Beccariophoenix has flowered for the first time in cultivation, in the garden of Stan Walkley near Brisbane, Australia. Stan bought his plant as a seedling at a PACSOA (Palm and Cycad Society of Australia) show about 14 years ago.

(1) http://www.palms.org/palmsjournal/2002/beccariophoenix.htm [31 Oct 2007]

7.01

(1) Probably not - no evidence that the propagules have any means of attachment. No evidence of being grown in heavily trafficked areas.

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

7.02

(1) In addition, since its rediscovery in 1986, the species has been highly prized for cultivation outside Madagascar.

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

7.03

(1) No evidence that this critically endangered species occurs or is cultivated in or around fields of crop plants.

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

7.04

(1) Fleshy fruit are approx 2.5 cm in diameter. Observations suggest that most seed is dispersed within 5 m of the parent plant.

(1) Rakotoarinivo M. 2005. Etude Demographique de Beccariophoenix madagascariensis Jum. Et H.Perrir. (Palmae) A Sainte Luce (Fort-Dauphin) en vue de la conservation de l’espece. MSc thesis, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

7.05

(1) Observations suggest that most seed is dispersed within 5 m of the parent plant.

(1) Rakotoarinivo M. 2005. Etude Demographique de Beccariophoenix madagascariensis Jum. Et H.Perrir. (Palmae) A Sainte Luce (Fort-Dauphin) en vue de la conservation de l’espece. MSc thesis, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

7.06

(1) Large-seeded palms usually rely on medium–large birds and mammals for dispersal (2) The results indicate that high levels of gene flow can be maintained between close populations and is likely to be facilitated by mobile frugivores such as lemurs, fruit bats and fruit eating pigeons.

(1) Zona, S. and A. Henderson. 1989. A review of animal mediated seed dispersal of palms. Selbyana 11: 6–21. (2) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

7.07

(1) No evidence that the propagules have any means of attachment.

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

7.08

lemurs

(1) Dew J. L. and P. Wright. 1998. Frugivory and seed dispersal by four species of primates in Madagascar’s eastern rain forest. Biotropica 30: 425–437.

8.01

Probably not since it is critically endangered (1) Fleshy fruit are approx 2.5 cm in diameter and 180 fruits per infructescence have been recorded

(1) Rakotoarinivo M. 2005. Etude Demographique de Beccariophoenix madagascariensis Jum. Et H.Perrir. (Palmae) A Sainte Luce (Fort-Dauphin) en vue de la conservation de l’espece. MSc thesis, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

8.02

Probably not - seeds relatively large - 3/4 inch in length.

http://www.plantapalm.com/vpe/misc/the-carpentaria-palm.pdf#search=%22%22Carpentaria%20acuminata%22%20seed%20size%22

8.03

Don’t know. Species is critically endangered so no control attempts have ever been carried out.

8.04

(1) However, as this species is single-stemmed, harvesting for some uses results in plant death... where remaining populations consist only of juvenile plants they are likely to become locally extinct if subject to fire, as appears likely to happen to the Mantenenina BM7768 population.

(1) Shapcott, A., M. Rakotoarinivo, R. J. Smith, G. Lysakova, M. F. Fay and J. Dransfield. 2007. Can we bring Madagascar’s critically endangered palms back from the brink? Genetics, ecology and conservation of the critically endangered palm Beccariophoenix madagascariensis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 154: 589–608.

8.05

Don’t know.