Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw. Family - Schizaeaceae, Lygodiaceae. Common Names(s) -climbing fern, Japanese climbing fern. Synonym(s) -Ophioglossum japonicum

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

n

0

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

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

y

4

3.04

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

n=0

y

4

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

n

0

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, 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

n

0

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, 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

y

1

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

n

0

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, 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

n

0

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, 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

y

1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

n

0

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.07

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

See left

1

1

7.01

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

y=1, n=-1

y

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

y

1

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

y

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

y

-1

8.04

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

y=1, n=-1

y

1

8.05

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

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

23

Notes

Source

1.01

No evidence.

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1) Native to Asia-Temperate: China; Japan; Korea. Asia-Tropical: Bhutan; India; Nepal; Sri Lanka; Cambodia; Laos; Thailand; Vietnam; Indonesia; Malaysia; Papua New Guinea; Philippines

(1) http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?403435 [Cited 2009 September 8].

2.02

(1) Native to Asia-Temperate: China; Japan; Korea. Asia-Tropical: Bhutan; India; Nepal; Sri Lanka; Cambodia; Laos; Thailand; Vietnam; Indonesia; Malaysia; Papua New Guinea; Philippines

(1) http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?403435 [Cited 2009 September 8].

2.03

(1) USDA hardiness zones: 8a - 11.

(1) http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/32029/ [Cited 2009 September 8].

2.04

(1) "First collected growing naturally in Hawaii in 1936. It is now found climbing along roadside banks on shrubs, grasses along the main highway from a few miles north of Hilo to the southern enc of Pepeekel Scenic Drive, and uphill from the astronomy facility at the University of Hilo Campus. Its range is expanding, but a thorough evaluation of its local distribution has not been made." (2) Native to Asia-Temperate: China; Japan; Korea. Asia-Tropical: Bhutan; India; Nepal; Sri Lanka; Cambodia; Laos; Thailand; Vietnam; Indonesia; Malaysia; Papua New Guinea; Philippines

(1) Palmer, D.D. 2003. Hawaii's Ferns and Fern Allies. United States. University of Hawaii Press. (2) http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?403435 [Cited 2009 September 8]

2.05

(1) Naturalized in north and west Florida (29 counties), in shady or sunny, usually damp disturbed areas such as yards and roadsides, also in less disturbed edges of swamps, marshes, lakes, creeks, hammocks, and upland woodlands. Naturalized in the U.S. from the Carolinas through Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, to Texas and Arkansas.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Lygodium%20japonicum.pdf [Cited 2009 September 8].

3.01

(1) Naturalized in north and west Florida (29 counties), in shady or sunny, usually damp disturbed areas such as yards and roadsides, also in less disturbed edges of swamps, marshes, lakes, creeks, hammocks, and upland woodlands. Naturalized in the U.S. from the Carolinas through Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, to Texas and Arkansas.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Lygodium%20japonicum.pdf [Cited 2009 September 8].

3.02

(1) Invades tropical hammocks, riparian areas, and disturbed habitats. (2) A weed in the Philippines and Taiwan.

(1) Weber, E., 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Zurich. (2) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Lygodium%20japonicum.pdf [Cited 2009 September 8].

3.03

(1) A major problem in pine plantations, causing contamination and harvesting problems for the pine straw industry.

(1) http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/node/639#impacts [Cited 2009 September 9].

3.04

(1) Invades tropical hammocks, riparian areas, and disturbed habitats. (2) This vine-like fern, once established, and if left uncontrolled, will shade out entire trees. Also produces a thick ground cover preventing native seed germination. (3) Lygodium japonicum is being controlled in Florida where its dense growth smothers native vegetation preventing seedling germination.

(1) Weber, E., 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Zurich. (2) http://www.texasinvasives.org/invasives_database/detail.php?symbol=LYJA [Cited 2009 September 8]. (3) http://www.fleppc.org/Manage_Plans/lymo_mgt.pdf [Cited 2009 September 9].

3.05

(1) Lygodium microphyllum is an invasive weed in Florida. It smothers native vegetation preventing the growth of native plant species.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/Manage_Plans/lymo_mgt.pdf [Cited 2009 September 9].

4.01

(1) A large, bright green and twining fern with short-creeping rhizomes. Leaves are up to 5 m long, bipinnately compound with widely spaced pinnae along the rachis. Pinnae are fertile or sterile, 10-18 cm long and 7-10 cm wide, and consist of 2-3 leaflets of up to 7 cm length and .5 cm width. Fertile leaflets are flabellate and have eight or more narrow lobes. Sterile pinnae are triangular, with the sterile leaflets being palmate to deeply lobed. Sporangia open upwardly and are attached on free veinlets.

(1) Weber, E., 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Zurich.

4.02

Unknown

4.03

(1) Not parasitic.

(1) Palmer, D.D. 2003. Hawaii's Ferns and Fern Allies. United States. University of Hawaii Press.

4.04

Unknown

4.05

(1) No evidence of toxicity in PubMed. (2) No evidence of toxicity in ToxNet.

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez [Cited 2009 September 9]. (2) http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search [Cited 2009 September 9].

4.06

Unknown

4.07

congestion; and work as an anti-gonorrheal agent or as a general "blood tonic."

(1) http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/32029/ [Cited 2009 September 8]. (2) http://www.fleppc.org/Manage_Plans/lymo_mgt.pdf [Cited 2009 September 9].

4.08

(1) The dry dead fronds are flammable and in fire-prone regions the fern carries fires from the ground to the forest canopies, intensifying wild fires.

(1) Weber, E., 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Zurich.

4.09

(1) Grows in the sun or shade.

(1) http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/node/639#impacts [Cited 2009 September 9]

4.10

(1) Thought to prefer soils of circumneutral pH. (2) Soil pH requirements: 5.6 to 6.0 (acidic), 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Lygodium%20japonicum.pdf [Cited 2009 September 8]. (1) http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/32029/ [Cited 2009 Septermber 8].

4.11

(1) Fast growing fern that twines around stems and branches of trees and shrubs. It climbs to the top of the canopy, forms dense mats and shades out host trees. (2) Reported as forming tangled masses over ground cover and shrubs, its dense canopy eliminating the underlying vegetation. Forms sun-blocking "walls" of fern in tributary floodplains of the Apalachicola River and smothering seedlings of overstory tree species.

(1) Weber, E., 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Zurich.

4.12

(1) Fast growing fern that twines around stems and branches of trees and shrubs. It climbs to the top of the canopy, forms dense mats and shades out host trees. (2) Reported as forming tangled masses over ground cover and shrubs, its dense canopy eliminating the underlying vegetation. Forms sun-blocking "walls" of fern in tributary floodplains of the Apalachicola River and smothering seedlings of overstory tree species.

(1) Weber, E., 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Zurich.

5.01

(1) Fast growing fern that twines around stems and branches of trees and shrubs. It climbs to the top of the canopy, forms dense mats and shades out host trees.

(1) Weber, E., 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Zurich.

5.02

(1) Fast growing fern. Schizaeaceae

(1) Weber, E., 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Zurich.

5.03

(1) Fast growing fern that twines around stems and branches of trees and shrubs. It climbs to the top of the canopy, forms dense mats and shades out host trees.

(1) Weber, E., 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Zurich.

5.04

(1) Fast growing fern that twines around stems and branches of trees and shrubs. It climbs to the top of the canopy, forms dense mats and shades out host trees.

(1) Weber, E., 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Zurich.

6.01

No evidence.

6.02

(1) Eradication of Japanese climbing fern is difficult because of the large rhizome root system and the rapid germination from spores

(1) http://www.texasinvasives.org/invasives_database/detail.php?symbol=LYJA [Cited 2009 September 8].

6.03

Unknown (1) A natural hybrid of Lygodium micans and Lygodium venustum was discovered in Trinidad.

(1) Fay, A.D.A., 1973. A Natural Lygodium Hybrid Found in Trinidad. American Fern Journal 63, 165.

6.04

(1) Lygodium japonicum is capable of intragametophytic selfing. (2)The selfing rates of Lygodium japonicum averaged 95% in this study on the reproductive biology of Lygodium japonicum.

(1) http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/fern/lygspp/all.html#RAUNKIAER%20LIFE%20FORM (2) Lott, M.S., Volin, J.C., Pemberton, R.W., Austin, D.F., 2003. The reproductive biology of the invasive ferns Lygodium microphyllum and L. japonicum (Schizaeaceae): implications for invasive potential. American Journal of Botany 90, 1144-1152.

6.05

(1) Schizaeaceae; fern

6.06

(1) Eradication of Japanese climbing fern is difficult because of the large rhizome root system and the rapid germination from spores. Persists and colonizes by rhizomes and spreads rapidly by wind-dispersed spores.(2) Produces alternating generations of vegetative and reproductive plants. The reproductive generation is rarely visible, and consists of smaller leaflets with sporangia along the undersides of the margin. Spores are wind- as well as equipment-dispersed. Japanese climbing fern is a perennial vine-like fern that repeatedly grows back from rhizomes.

(1) http://www.texasinvasives.org/invasives_database/detail.php?symbol=LYJA [Cited 2009 September 8]. (2) http://www.texasinvasives.org/invasives_database/detail.php?symbol=LYJA [Cited 2009 September 8].

6.07

(1) Fast growing fern that twines around stems and branches of trees and shrubs. It climbs to the top of the canopy, forms dense mats and shades out host trees. (2) In a laboratory experiment, climbing fern gametophytes were sexually mature within 5 weeks of germination, followed by sporophyte production through week 12.

(1) Weber, E., 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Zurich. (2) http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/fern/lygspp/all.html#RAUNKIAER%20LIFE%20FORM [Cited 2009 September 8].

7.01

(1) Spores are thought to be dispersed in the dust on moving vehicles (long distance dispersal). (2) An ornamental still being spread by unsuspecting gardeners.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Lygodium%20japonicum.pdf [Cited 2009 September 8]. (2) http://www.texasinvasives.org/invasives_database/detail.php?symbol=LYJA [Cited 2009 September 8].

7.02

(1) Climbing ferns were originally imported and sold in the United States as ornamentals [24]. In their native ranges, climbing fern spores are used for medicinal purposes and the rachis is used for weaving

(1) http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/fern/lygspp/all.html#RAUNKIAER%20LIFE%20FORM [Cited 2009 September 8].

7.03

(1) A major problem in pine plantations, causing contamination and harvesting problems for the pine straw industry.

(1) http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/node/639#impacts [Cited 2009 September 9].

7.04

(1) Spores wind-dispersed. (2) Wind dispersed, possibly of large distances due to storms.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Lygodium%20japonicum.pdf [Cited 2009 September 8]. (2) http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/fern/lygspp/all.html#RAUNKIAER%20LIFE%20FORM [Cited 2009 September 8].

7.05

(1) Spores wind-dispersed. (2) Wind dispersed, possibly of large distances due to storms.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Lygodium%20japonicum.pdf [Cited 2009 September 8]. (2) http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/fern/lygspp/all.html#RAUNKIAER%20LIFE%20FORM [Cited 2009 September 8].

7.06

(1) Spores wind-dispersed. (2) Wind dispersed, possibly of large distances due to storms.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Lygodium%20japonicum.pdf [Cited 2009 September 8]. (2) http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/fern/lygspp/all.html#RAUNKIAER%20LIFE%20FORM [Cited 2009 September 8].

7.07

(1)Spores can be dispersed attached to animals.

(1) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=999&fr=1&sts= [Cited 2009 September 9].

7.08

(1) Spores wind-dispersed.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Lygodium%20japonicum.pdf [Cited 2009 September 8].

8.01

(1) Fern, wind dispersed spores.

(1) http://www.fleppc.org/ID_book/Lygodium%20japonicum.pdf [Cited 2009 September 8].

8.02

(1) Lygodium japonicum spores are thick-walled providing long environmental viability.

(1) http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/fern/lygspp/all.html#RAUNKIAER%20LIFE%20FORM [Cited 2009 September 8].

8.03

(1) In Florida the vines are pulled from the trees and treated with triclopyr. (2) "Eradication of Japanese climbing fern is difficult because of the large rhizome root system and the rapid germination from spores. Herbicides containing glyphosate offer the best choice for eradication of established infestations. A recommended foliar spray mix is 1 to 2 percent of either Garlon 4®, Garlon 3A®, Accord® Concentrate, or Rodeo® (Dow AgroSciences). Another effective herbicide is Escort® (Dupont) at 1 to 2 oz per acre in water and as a mixture with a glyphosate herbicide. Add ¼ to ½ percent surfactant to improve wetting and penetrationYoung plants should be pulled by hand. Extremely large infestations should be cut or mowed, applying herbicide to new growth." (3) "Some research has been conducted on both climbing ferns, and it appears a 2 to 3 % solution of glyphosate (Roundup, etc.) is effective. Another herbicide, metsulfuron (Escort), has been shown to provide excellent control at rates of 0.5 to 1 oz. per acre. Be sure to include a non-ionic surfactant at 0.25% (10 mLs or 2 teaspoons per gallon of spray solution). A combination of these herbicides has provided good control when applied in the fall of the year before a killing frost."

(1) Weber, E., 2003. Invasive Plant Species of the World A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing, Zurich. (2) http://www.texasinvasives.org/invasives_database/detail.php?symbol=LYJA [Cited 2009 September 8]. (3) http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/node/639#impacts [Cited 2009 September 9].

8.04

(1) Eradication of Japanese climbing fern is difficult because of the large rhizome root system and the rapid germination from spores. Prescribed burns will eliminate aerial portions, but will not stop resprouting.

(1) http://www.texasinvasives.org/invasives_database/detail.php?symbol=LYJA [Cited 2009 September 8].

8.05

Unknown