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

Calliandra calothyrsus (calliandra, Cabello de angel); C. houstoniana var. calothyrsus; Calliandra confusa

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

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

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

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

y

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

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

y

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

y

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

n

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

n

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

y

8.05

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

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

1

Source

Notes

1.01

No evidence

1.02

Calliandra calothyrsus was introduced from Guatemala to Indonesia in the 1930s where it has become naturalised in many areas and is harvested for fuelwood.

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

1.03

No evidence

2.01

C. calothyrsus is native to both the seasonally dry and humid tropics of Mexico and Central America.. Calliandra calothyrsus is found from the western Pacific coast of Mexico at Colima (19º 04' N, 103º 45' W), with an outlying population in Veracruz, Mexico (19º 20' N 96º 20' W), to the north coast of central Panama (9º 20' N 79º 50' W)

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

2.02

2.03

(1)Atitude range: 0 - 1850 m Approximate limits north to south: 19°N to 9°N (2)Calliandra calothyrsus occurs in primary, secondary or disturbed, lowland to pre-montane, seasonally dry to wet sub-tropical forests, especially along river margins.inhabits areas with an annual rainfall of 700-4000 mm (3) It can withstand drought for several months.

(1)CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2)http://www.green.ox.ac.uk/cnrd/tfp40/chapter2.pdf (3)http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Calliandra_calothyrsus.html#Ecology

2.04

C. calothyrsus is native to both the seasonally dry and humid tropics of Mexico and Central America.. Calliandra calothyrsus is found from the western Pacific coast of Mexico at Colima (19º 04' N, 103º 45' W), with an outlying population in Veracruz, Mexico (19º 20' N 96º 20' W), to the north coast of central Panama (9º 20' N 79º 50' W)

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

2.05

(1)Introduced to several countries. (2)has been widely cultivated

(1)CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2)http://www.green.ox.ac.uk/cnrd/tfp40/chapter2.pdf

3.01

Calliandra calothyrsus was introduced from Guatemala to Indonesia in the 1930s where it has become naturalised in many areas and is harvested for fuelwood.

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

3.02

No evidence

3.03

Because it grows so rapidly and densely, Calliandra supresses competing plants very quickly. There is little information on performance of this species on different sites. The plant is so hardy and reproduces so easily that it may become a weed of sorts, difficult to keep in check. [no direct evidence that it is an econimic problem]

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

3.04

Although it has become naturalised in parts of Indonesia and there are no reports of it becoming a weed.

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

3.05

No evidence

4.01

C. calothyrsus is a thornless shrub or small tree

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

4.02

No evidence

4.03

No evidence

4.04

Animal fodder produced by C. calothyrsus is used wherever the tree has been introduced. The leaves are usually highly palatable.... Direct browsing of the species may lead to stem breakage unless the trees are cut at ground level and allowed to re-sprout.

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

4.05

No evidence

4.06

In Powell (1997), Boa reviewed pests and diseases of C. calothyrsus and concluded that there are few serious problems in either the native range or where the species is planted as an exotic. Pests recorded
Insect pests:
Leucopholis irrorata [1]
Pachnoda ephippiata [2]
Stator limbatus [3]
Fungus diseases:
Armillaria mellea [4]
Camptomeris calliandrae [5]
None of the above were found to be recognized pests.

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

4.07

No evidence

4.08

'Leaves are normally shed in prolonged dry seasons. This species is most prevalent in areas with a dry season (<50mm/month) of 2-4 months. ' [if it grew in dense thickets, it could become a fire hazard, but no direct evidence]

http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/acc_num/198500262.html

4.09

(1)Tolerates shade (2)tolerant of medium shade.

(1)CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2)http://www.green.ox.ac.uk/cnrd/tfp40/chapter2.pdf

4.1

The species occurs on a wide range of soils throughout Central America and Mexico with the major soil types being cambisols, acrisols and nitosols. One of its main features of interest to agroforesters is its tolerance of low soil pH levels.

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

4.11

Probably not - not a vine.

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

4.12

Because it grows so rapidly and densely, Calliandra supresses competing plants very quickly [can't tell if this statement refers to individual plants or gregarious nature of the species]

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

5.01

Fabaceae

5.02

Fabaceae

5.03

Calliandra calothyrsus is a nitrogen-fixing tree legume

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

5.04

Fabaceae

6.01

In its native range flowering can occur between July and April.

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

6.02

Seedlings are generally ready for planting between 4 and 6 months after sowing.

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

6.03

Sympatry primarily exists between C. calothyrsus and C.
houstoniana, C. houstoniana and C. grandiflora, and C.
houstoniana and C. juzepczukii, and putative hybrids
have been documented between C. calothyrsus and C.
houstoniana, and C. houstoniana and C. juzpeczukii
(Chamberlain, 1996c; Macqueen and Hernández, 1997).

http://www.green.ox.ac.uk/cnrd/tfp40/chapter3.pdf

6.04

(1)Protandrous flowering and the difference in length between stigma and style suggest outcrossing. (2) 'C. calothyrsus is andromonoecian and has a mixed mating system. It flowers after 6-12 months and produces flowers which open during the early evening and last for one night. Each raceme can flower for 2-3 months. Pollination is by bats and moths.' (3)large amounts of selfing... wil limit seed production in this species [certainly it is not autogamous based on position of anthers and stigma] (4)Self compatibility varies by ecotype and provenance

(1)http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/Publicat/Gutt-shel/x5556e09.htm (2)CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (3)http://www.green.ox.ac.uk/cnrd/jo.htm (4)http://www.green.ox.ac.uk/cnrd/tfp40/chapter3.pdf

6.05

(1) The principal pollinating agents - nectivorous bats, which require free movement around the crown - are not present in all areas.
(2) "It flowers prolifically and is a favoured source of nectar for honey bees."; "Normally large quantities of seed are produced each year. " (3)Pollinators are bats or large moths, although the flowers are visited for nectar by humming birds, bees and other insects which do not come into contact with the anthers (Chamberlain and Rajaselvam, 1996; Hernández, 1991).

(2) PROSEA TEXTFILE On-line. [online database] PROSEA Foundation, 2003. http://www.proseanet.org/dbtw-prosea/eprosea/textfile/index.cfm (3)http://www.green.ox.ac.uk/cnrd/tfp40/chapter2.pdf

6.06

(1) Propagation: Seed.
(2) some trials specific calliandra accessions have been observed which produce root suckers, but this seems to be exceptional.

(1) http://www.hear.org/pier/cacal.htm
(2) PROSEA TEXTFILE On-line. [online database] PROSEA Foundation, 2003. http://www.proseanet.org/dbtw-prosea/eprosea/textfile/index.cfm

6.07

"Trees mature rapidly; flowering may start in the first year, but good fruit setting normally starts the second year. "

PROSEA TEXTFILE On-line. [online database] PROSEA Foundation, 2003. http://www.proseanet.org/dbtw-prosea/eprosea/textfile/index.cfm

7.01

no evidence that the seeds have any means of attachment.

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

7.02

probably yes - 'The principal value of C. calothyrsus is as an agroforestry tree providing fodder for livestock and fuelwood, particularly in areas where low pH is a major limitation to planting other tree legumes.'

7.03

seeds relatively large. 'Seeds 8, ovate, 7-8 x 5-6 mm, brown, dark mottled.'

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

7.04

When the calliandra pods are dark-brown and mature, they split from the tip to the base of the pod and propel the seeds up to 10 m from the mother tree. Seeds can also remain in the open pod, and drop to the foot of the mother tree at a later date. [no adaptation for wind]

http://216.239.53.100/search?q=cache:9SHQpajlcqEC:www.green.ox.ac.uk
/cnrd/african_man.pdf+calliandra+calothyrsus&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

7.05

occur in riverine habitats [seeds could float]

http://www.green.ox.ac.uk/cnrd/tfp40/chapter2.pdf

7.06

When the calliandra pods are dark-brown and mature, they split from the tip to the base of the pod and propel the seeds up to 10 m from the mother tree. [gravity dispersal]

http://216.239.53.100/search?q=cache:9SHQpajlcqEC:www.green.ox.ac.uk
/cnrd/african_man.pdf+calliandra+calothyrsus&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

7.07

no means of attachement

7.08

no evidence that seeds are consumed

8.01

A problem with poor seed production has been reported in a number of countries where C. calothyrsus is planted.
Seeds 8, ovate, 7-8 x 5-6 mm, brown, dark mottled.
(2) Normally large quantities of seed are produced each year.
"Inflorescences composed of few to many flowered heads, in terminal raceme-like clusters of 10—30 cm length. Fruit broadly linear, flattened, 8—11 cm x 1 cm, slightly tapering from top to base, margins thickened and raised, finely pubescent or glabrous, brownish, dehiscent, 3—15-seeded. Seed ellipsoidal, flattened, 5—7 mm long, dark brown.
There are 14—19 seeds/g. [large seeds, not likely > 1000/m2] (3)low seed yields in seed production orchards have been regularly reported with little understanding as to why this might be so. (4)Native range 1,400-1700 seeds per TREE

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (3)http://www.green.ox.ac.uk/cnrd/jo.htm (4)(4)http://www.green.ox.ac.uk/cnrd/tfp40/chapter4.pdf

8.02

(1) Seed is orthodox in its storage requirements and its hard seed coat allows for medium-term storage at 4º C.
(2) Calliandra is normally propagated by seeds, directly in the field or in the nursery. Seeds germinate without pre-treatment. Seeds retain their viability for at least 2—3 years if stored in a refrigerator but viability decreases within one year at room temperature. (3)Seed of C. calothyrsus can germinate without any pre-treatment, particularly when fresh seed is used. Nevertheless, improved germination can be achieved either by making an incision in the seed coat, or by brief soaking in hot water followed by overnight soaking in cold water. [based on these observations it is likely that natural seed bank is small; this reference also mentions that insect and fungal attack of seeds is a problem, reducing viability over time]

(2) PROSEA TEXTFILE On-line. [online database] PROSEA Foundation, 2003. http://www.proseanet.org/dbtw-prosea/eprosea/textfile/index.cfm

8.03

No evidence that the species is being controlled for.

8.04

regenerate rapidly; suited for coppicing; suited for pollarding
A principal feature of C. calothyrsus, along with several other tree legumes, is its ability to tolerate repeated lopping.
(2) The stem turns brittle around the age of 12 years, but the rootstock remains vigorous and new sprouts are easily formed. After cutting, trees coppice vigorously. With annual coppicing of stems of 3—5 cm in diameter, plants can survive for many years. Roots develop quickly and may reach 1.5—2 m in plants of 4—5 months old. Both surface and deeply penetrating roots are formed. (3)after fire has spread through either deliberately or accidentally, the trees will often re-sprout and continue to reproduce.

(2) PROSEA TEXTFILE On-line. [online database] PROSEA Foundation, 2003. http://www.proseanet.org/dbtw-prosea/eprosea/textfile/index.cfm (3)http://www.green.ox.ac.uk/cnrd/tfp40/chapter8.pdf

8.05

Don’t know