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

Melia azedarach (Chinaberrytree)

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

n

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

y

3.03

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

n=0

n

3.04

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

n=0

y

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

y

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

y

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

y

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

y

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

n

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

n

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

y

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

n

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

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

n

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

y

6.07

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

See left

4

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

n

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

y

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

y

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

y

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

y

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:

14

Source

Notes

1.01

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

no evidence

1.02

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

"In Hawaii, naturalized in dry disturbed area"

1.03

no evidence

2.01

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

native to southwestern Asia, Naturalized in Hawaii, Americas

2.02

based on distribution

2.03

(1) Gilman E.F. 1996. Horticopia-Trees, shrubs and groundcovers. Desops, Ltd. (2) Plant Master 5.5. California Edition.1999. Acacia Software, Westlake Village, California. (3) Smith, Clifford W. 1985. Impact of alien plants on Hawai'i's native biota. In: Charles P. Stone and J. Michael Scott, eds.. Hawai‘i’s Terrestrial Ecosystems: Preservation and Management. Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaii, Manoa. p. 194-195. 

(1) USDA Hardiness Zone 7A-10A (2) USDA Zone 7-10; New USDA Temp Zone 7b-11a (3) It grows between sea level and 700 m in open dry habitats.

2.04

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

native to southwestern Assia, Naturalized in Hawaii

2.05

Michael S. Batcher 2000. Element Stewardship Abstract for Melia azedarach. Natural Conservancy. (http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs/documnts/meliaze.html)

M. azedarach is native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. In the New World, it is commonly cultivated as a shade or reforestation tree, and has escaped to the wild throughout tropical America, from the southeastern U.S. and Mexico to Argentina, and to some Caribbean islands (including Puerto Rico). In North America, M. azedarach is established from Virginia, south through Florida, and west to eastern Texas. Reported occurrences of M. azedarach in North America include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Sonora, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

3.01

(1) Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918. (2)Gilman E.F. 1996. Horticopia-Trees, shrubs and groundcovers. Desops, Ltd.

3.02

(1) Smith, Clifford W. 1985. Impact of alien plants on Hawai'i's native biota. In: Charles P. Stone and J. Michael Scott, eds.. Hawai‘i’s Terrestrial Ecosystems: Preservation and Management. Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Hawaii, Manoa. p. 194-195.
(2) Gilman E.F. 1996. Horticopia-Trees, shrubs and groundcovers. Desops, Ltd.

(2)"Chinaberry is considered a "weed" tree in the southeastern U.S. and so it is not usually available from nurseries.";"Truly an urban survivor"

3.03

no evidence

3.04

Gilman E.F. 1996. Horticopia-Trees, shrubs and groundcovers. Desops, Ltd.http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs/documnts/meliaze.html

Chinaberry is considered a "weed" tree in the southeastern U.S. and so it is not usually available from nurseries.M. azedarach can invade disturbed and relatively undisturbed areas

3.05

no evidence

4.01

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

4.02

(1) Uygur, F. N.; Iskenderolu, S. N. (1997). Allelopathic and bioherbicide effects of plant extracts on germination of some weed species.Turkish Journal of Agriculture & Forestry, 1997, Vol.21, No.2, pp.177-180 (abstract) (2) Melkania, N. P. (1984). Influence of leaf leachates of certain woody species on agricultural crops. Indian Journal of Ecology, 1984, Vol.11, No.1, pp.82-86 (abstract)

(1) Diluted extracts of N. oleander and M. azedarach resulted in the greatest inhibition of germination. (2) Leaf leachates from 5 woody plants inhibited the seed germination of 2 vegetable crops, 3 cereals, Fagopyrum esculentum, soyabeans and Brassica campestris. Leachate from Celtis australis was the most inhibitory, followed by Juglans regia, Grewia optiva and Melia azedarach.

4.03

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

4.04

Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7

All or parts of this plant are poisonous

4.05

(1) Kwatra, M. S.; Singh, B.; Hothi, D. S.; Dhingra, P. N. (1974). Poisoning by Melia azedarach. Veterinary Record, 1974, Vol.95, No.No.18, p.421 (2) Seawright A.A. (1982). Animal Health in Australia Vol. 2 Chemical and Plant Poisons. Australian Government Publishing Service, Brisbane.290pp. (p.62)

(1)Twelve of 13 pigs which ate fruits and leaves of this tree died and the other became severely ill. (2) fruit intoxicated pigs died after 1-2 days of dosing

4.06

(1) Childers, C. C. (1992). Coffee bean weevil, a pest of citrus in Florida: injury to citrus, occurrence in citrus, host plants, and seasonal activity. Journal of Economic Entomology, 1982, Vol.75, No.2, pp.340-347 (abstract) (2) Link, D.; Costa, E. C. (1994). Infestation level of the citrus borer Diploschema rotundicolle (Serville, 1834) on chinaberry and citrus plants in Santa Maria, RS. Ciência Rural, 1994, Vol.24, No.1, pp.7-10, (abstract)

(1) Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) was the next commonest food-plant present within or around the perimeter of citrus groves previously attacked by the weevil. A total of 49 species of plants has been recorded as food-plants in the state, including 18 varieties or species of citrus. (2) A survey was carried out in 2 domestic Citrus orchards and 2 Melia azedarach orchards in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, during 1989-90 to determine host preference and oviposition behaviour of the cerambycid Diploschema rotundicolle . The results showed a preference for ovipositing on Citrus . The life cycle was longest on Citrus . A greater number of predatory insects (clerids, carabids and formicids) was observed inside galleries in Citrus plants than in M. azedarach plants. Fewer adults emerged in Citrus than in M. azedarach . Aspects of the biology of the pest are described and the intensity of infestation is given.

4.07

no evidence

4.08

Gilman E.F. 1996. Horticopia-Trees, shrubs and groundcovers. Desops, Ltd.

low flammability

4.09

Michael S. Batcher (2000) Element Stewardship abstract for Melia azedarach Chinaberry, Umbrella tree. The Nature Conservancy

M. azedarach requires open sun, is not shade tolerant

4.1

(1) Gilman EF, HW Beck, DG Watson, P. Fowler, DL Weigle & NR Morgan 1996. Southern Trees 2nd edition. University of Florida. (2) Plant Master 5.5. California Edition.1999. Acacia Software, Westlake Village, California. (3) Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7

4.11

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

tree

4.12

Michael S. Batcher 2000. Element Stewardship Abstract for Melia azedarach. Natural Conservancy. (http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs/documnts/meliaze.html)

This invasive plant can also successfully reproduce vegetatively, forming dense thickets (Burks 1997). Burks, K.C. 1997. Melia azedarach. Fact sheet prepared by the Bureau of Aquatic Plant Management, Department of Environmental Protection, State of Florida, Tallahassee, FL.

5.01

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

terrestrial tree

5.02

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

tree

5.03

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

no evidence

5.04

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

no evidence

6.01

no evidence

6.02

Hong, T. D.; Ellis, R. H. (1998). Contrasting seed storage behaviour among different species of Meliaceae. Seed Science and Technology, 1998, Vol.26, No.1, pp.77-95 (abstract)

Seeds of M. azedarach are highly tolerant of desiccation, surviving to 3.5% moisture content. The seeds can remain viable for prolonged periods, up to at least 26 months

6.03

no evidence

6.04

Ragonese, A. E.; Garcia, A. L. (1972). Floral biology and controlled pollination in 'Paraiso' (Melia azedarach). Idia, 1972, No.Suplemento Forestal 7, pp.64-68 (not available)

Presents a morphological description of the tree and information on its phenology, with particular reference to flowering, and describes suitable methods of artificial pollination in seed orchards of dwarf grafts.

6.05

no evidence

6.06

Tourn, G. M.; Menvielle, M. F.; Scopel, A. L.; Pidal, B. (1999). Clonal strategies of a woody weed: Melia azedarach. Plant and Soil, 1999, Vol.217, No.1/2, pp.111-117 (abstract)

"Melia azedarach L., a weedy tree that typically reproduces by seeds, may exhibit clonal growth following disturbance (e.g. fire, herbivory, animal injury). Root buds were produced in all (fire treated and control) plagiotropic root cuts when incubated under controlled conditions. Root suckers developed from the differentiation of parenchymatous cells produced by meristematic activity in the cambial zone."

6.07

Dr R. Criley, Dept. of Horticulture, University of Hawaii Manoa

7.01

no evidence

7.02

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

7.03

no evidence

7.04

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

fleshy fruit 1-2 cm in diameter

7.05

Wagner, Warren L., Derral R. Herbst and S.H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of the flowing plants of Hawai'i. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. p.918.

7.06

Gilman EF, HW Beck, DG Watson, P. Fowler, DL Weigle & NR Morgan 1996. Southern Trees 2nd edition. University of Florida

"fruit attracts birds"

7.07

no evidence

7.08

bird dispersal

8.01

personal observation; 1 seed/fruit

8.02

Hong, T. D.; Ellis, R. H. (1998). Contrasting seed storage behaviour among different species of Meliaceae. Seed Science and Technology, 1998, Vol.26, No.1, pp.77-95 (abstract)

In contrast, stones of Melia azedarach survived desiccation to 3.5% moisture content and viability was maintained during 26 months' subsequent hermetic storage in 14 of the 15 environments which combined factorially five stone moisture contents between 3.5 and 11.7% with three temperatures between -20 deg C, and 10 deg C, the exception being that environment which provided the highest moisture content and temperature (i.e. 10 deg C with 11.7% moisture content) in which loss in viability was considerable.

8.03

Michael S. Batcher 2000. Element Stewardship Abstract for Melia azedarach. Natural Conservancy. (http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs/documnts/meliaze.html)

The best control of M. azedarach, as reported by land stewards/managers, occurs with the use of chemical methods. Manual/mechanical methods as well as the potential for biological control of M. azedarach, is limited (Neupane 1992).

8.04

Tourn, G. M.; Menvielle, M. F.; Scopel, A. L.; Pidal, B. (1999). Clonal strategies of a woody weed: Melia azedarach. Plant and Soil, 1999, Vol.217, No.1/2, pp.111-117 (abstract)

" Root buds were produced in all (fire treated and control) plagiotropic root cuts when incubated under controlled conditions. Root suckers developed from the differentiation of parenchymatous cells produced by meristematic activity in the cambial zone."

8.05

no evidence, resistant to most insects.