Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)

Kopsia singapurensis

RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: Low risk, score: -4

Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Hawai‘i.
Information on Risk Assessments
Original risk assessment
  Kopsia singaporensis (Singapore kopsia) Family - Apocynaceae Score Answer
1.01 Is the species highly domesticated? n 0
1.02 Has the species become naturalized where grown? n  
1.03 Does the species have weedy races? 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” 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)    
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 n  
3.01 Naturalized beyond native range         y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05 n 0
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 y 1
4.1 Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)    
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.    
6.03 Hybridizes naturally    
6.04 Self-compatible or apomictic    
6.05 Requires specialist pollinators    
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   0
7.01 Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas) n -1
7.02 Propagules dispersed intentionally by people n -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    
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    
8.01 Prolific seed production (>1000/m2) n -1
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 No evidence  
1.03 No evidence  
2.01 (1)The Singapore or White Kopsia is a nationally-endangered tree which grows in freshwater swamp forests. This endemic species is found only in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia.  (2)This small evergreen tree from Singapore is rarely cultivated there. (1)http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/html/webspecial/insidetrack/s4_11.html  (2)Menninger, Edwin A. 1962. Flowering Trees of the World. Hearthside Press Incorporated. New York. Pg 38
2.02    
2.03 No evidence regarding the range of growth conditions.  
2.04 The Singapore or White Kopsia is a nationally-endangered tree which grows in freshwater swamp forests. This endemic species is found only in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/html/webspecial/insidetrack/s4_11.html
2.05 K. fruticosa is in limited cultivation in Florida. Menninger, Edwin A. 1962. Flowering Trees of the World. Hearthside Press Incorporated. New York. Pg 39
3.01 No evidence  
3.02 No evidence  
3.03 No evidence  
3.04 No evidence  
3.05 No evidence  
4.01 Genus characteristics - no description of such traits. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=117237
4.02 No evidence  
4.03 No evidence  
4.04 Don’t know.  
4.05 No evidence  
4.06 No evidence regarding associated pests or pathogens.