Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)


Maclura pomifera


RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: Evaluate, score: 5


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

Maclura pomifera (Raf.) C.K. Schneid. Family - Moraceae Common Names(s) - hedge-apple, osage-orange, Synonym(s) - Ioxylon pomiferum Raf. (basionym)

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

1

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

n

0

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

1

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

1

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

3.04

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

n=0

n

0

3.05

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

n=0

n

0

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

y

1

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

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

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

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

n

0

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

y

1

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

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

n

-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

4+

-1

7.01

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

y=1, n=-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

y

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

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:

5

Supporting data:

Notes

Source

1.01

No evidence of domestication that reduce invasive characteristics.

 

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1) Native range: United States - Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas

(1) USDA GRIN, Accessed at http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?23061 [cited 4/13/2011].

2.02

(1) Native range: United States - Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas

(1) USDA GRIN, Accessed at http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?23061 [cited 4/13/2011].

2.03

(1) USDA hardiness zones: 4a-9b.

(1) Dave's Garden. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/54097/ [cited 2011, April 13].

2.04

No evidence of naturalization in the tropics

 

2.05

(1) Maclura pomifera has been planted in greater numbers than almost any other tree species in North America. It has been planted as a hedge in all the 48 conterminous States and in southeastern Canada. Known also as hedge, hedge-apple it made agricultural settlement of the prairies possible and led directly to the invention of barbed wire, and then provided most of the posts for the wire that fenced the West. (2) Maclura pomifera has been introduced to the British Isles, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, and Australia.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

3.01

(1) Widely planted in all 48 conterminous states and southeastern Canada as "living fences" on the treeless prairies during the mid-1800's, now naturalized in many of these areas.

(1) Bonner, F.T. Maclura pomifera (Raf.) Woody plant seed manual. Available at: Schneidwww.rngr.net/publications/wpsm/genera/m/at_download/file

3.02

(1) Maclura pomifera "readily escapes from cultivation and invades exposed, eroding soil, particularly in overgrazed pastures. Thickets are characteristically found along fence rows, ditch banks, ravines, and around abandoned farmsteads."

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

3.03

No evidence

3.04

No evidence of impact or management. [listed as an environmental weed in the GCW]

 

3.05

No evidence of any other species in this genus causing economic or ecological harm. The GCW lists several species as weeds. [no control mentioned].

 

4.01

(1) "Branchlets growing in full sunlight bear sharp, stout thorns. Slow-growing twigs in the shaded portions of the crown of mature trees are thornless."

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

4.02

Unknown

4.03

(1) Not parasitic.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

4.04

(1) Maclura pomifera fruit and browse are generally not palatable.

(1) Carey, Jennifer H. 1994. Maclura pomifera. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [20ll, April 13].

4.05

(1) Livestock, wild mammals, and birds feed on the fruit and disseminate the seed.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

4.06

(1) "Although Osage-orange is one of the healthiest tree species in North America, it is attacked by some parasites. Cotton root rot, caused by Phymatotrichum omnivorum, attacks Osage-orange and most other windbreak species in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona. Losses are greatest in plantings on dry soil where rainfall is scant. Cotton root rot is the only serious disease."

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

4.07

(1) Parts of plants are poisonous if ingested. (2) According to Smith et al. (1981), there is little evidence that Maclura pomifera is toxic.

(1) Dave's Garden. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/54097/ [cited 2011, April 13]. (2) Smith, J.L., Perino, J.V. 1981. Osage orange (Maclura pomifera): history and economic uses. Economic Botany 35(1):24-41

4.08

(1) Fire management considerations: The dead, persistent, lower branches of Maclura pomifera may promote crown fires.

(1) Carey, Jennifer H. 1994. Maclura pomifera. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [20ll, April 13].

4.09

(1) Maclura pomifera "is tolerant according to some authors and very intolerant according to others. Overall, it is most accurately classed as intolerant of shade. The occurrence and circumstances of natural regeneration suggest intolerance, but the growth of planted Osage-orange in hedges and shelterbelts, under strong competition, indicates tolerance."

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

4.10

(1) "Natural regeneration is abundant and vigorous on many soils (Alfisols, Ultisols, Vertisols, and Mollisols), including those too alkaline for most forest trees."

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

4.11

(1) Maclura pomifera is a small tree or large shrub averaging 9 m (30 ft) in height at maturity.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

4.12

(1) Maclura pomifera "readily escapes from cultivation and invades exposed, eroding soil, particularly in overgrazed pastures. Thickets are characteristically found along fence rows, ditch banks, ravines, and around abandoned farmsteads."

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

5.01

(1) Maclura pomifera is a small tree or large shrub averaging 9 m (30 ft) in height at maturity.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

5.02

(1) Moraceae

(1) USDA GRIN, Accessed at http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?23061 [cited 4/13/2011].

5.03

Unknown

5.04

(1) Maclura pomifera is a small tree or large shrub averaging 9 m (30 ft) in height at maturity.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

6.01

No evidence.

 

6.02

(1) Viable seed.

(1) Bonner, F.T. Maclura pomifera (Raf.) Woody plant seed manual. Available at: Schneidwww.rngr.net/publications/wpsm/genera/m/at_download/file

6.03

Unknown

6.04

(1) Dioecious.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

6.05

(1) Wind pollinated.

(1) Bonner, F.T. Maclura pomifera (Raf.) Woody plant seed manual. Available at: Schneidwww.rngr.net/publications/wpsm/genera/m/at_download/file

6.06

(1) Maclura pomifera reproduces vegetatively and by seed.

(1) Carey, Jennifer H. 1994. Maclura pomifera. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [20ll, April 13].

6.07

(1) Female trees bear good seed crops nearly every year, beginning about the 10th year.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

7.01

(1) Maclura pomifera "readily escapes from cultivation and invades exposed, eroding soil, particularly in overgrazed pastures. Thickets are characteristically found along fence rows, ditch banks, ravines, and around abandoned farmsteads."

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

7.02

(1) Maclura pomifera has been planted in greater numbers in North America than almost any other tree species.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

7.03

No evidence of produce contamination.

 

7.04

(1) Livestock, wild mammals, and birds feed on the fruit and disseminate the seed.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

7.05

(1) Seeds are disseminated by animals, gravity, and water

(1) Carey, Jennifer H. 1994. Maclura pomifera. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [20ll, April 13].

7.06

(1) Livestock, wild mammals, and birds feed on the fruit and disseminate the seed.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

7.07

(1) Livestock, wild mammals, and birds feed on the fruit and disseminate the seed.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

7.08

(1) Livestock, wild mammals, and birds feed on the fruit and disseminate the seed.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

8.01

(1) The ripe fruit, 7.6 to 15 ern (3 to 6 in). Germinative capacity averages 58 percent. Seeds are nearly I cm (0.4 in) in length. The number of clean seeds ranges from 15,400 to 35,300, averaging 30,900/kg (7,000 to 16,000, averaging 14,000/lb). (2) The large aggregate fruit is composed of many 1-seeded drupelets. Fruits reach diameters of 7.5 to 15 cm.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011] (2) Carey, Jennifer H. 1994. Maclura pomifera. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [20ll, April 13]. (2) Bonner, F.T. Maclura pomifera (Raf.) Woody plant seed manual. Available at: Schneidwww.rngr.net/publications/wpsm/genera/m/at_download/file [cited 2011, April 13].

8.02

(1) "The seeds have a slight dormancy that is easily overcome by soaking in water for 48 hours or by stratifying in sand or peat for 30 days. Fruit stored over winter in piles outdoors is easily cleaned in the spring, and the seed germinates promptly. Viability can be maintained for at least 3 years by storing cleaned, air-dried seeds in sealed containers at 5° C (41° F) (56)." (2) Seeds have a slight dormancy which is overcome by soaking in water for 2 days or stratifying in sand or peat for 30 days.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011] (2) Carey, Jennifer H. 1994. Maclura pomifera. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [20ll, April 13].

8.03

(1) Triclopyr or picloram applied with a chainsaw girdling treatment are effective control for Maclura pomifera.

(1) Carey, Jennifer H. 1994. Maclura pomifera. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ [20ll, April 13].

8.04

(1) Maclura pomifera sprouts vigorously, even following cutting of interior rows in windbreaks.

(1) Burton, J.D. Osage-orange. Accessed at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/maclura/pomifera.htm [cited 4-13-2011]

8.05

Unknown


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