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

Philodendron scandens = syn. of Philodendron hederaceum, Philodendron cordatum, Philodendron oxycardium (Jacq.) Schott (vilevine, heart-leaf philodendron, velvet leaf Philodendron)

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

n

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

n

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

n

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

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

y

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

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

y

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

n

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

n

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

n

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

y

6.07

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

See left

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

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

n

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:

-3

Notes

Source

1.01

no evidence

1.02

no evidence

1.03

no evidence

2.01

Distributional range:
Native:
NORTHERN AMERICA
Mexico
SOUTHERN AMERICA
Mesoamerica: Belize; Costa Rica; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Nicaragua; Panama
Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda; Cuba; Dominica; Guadeloupe; Hispaniola; Jamaica; Martinique; Montserrat; Puerto Rico; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Vincent and Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago
Northern South America: French Guiana; Guyana; Suriname; Venezuela
Brazil: Brazil [n.]
Western South America: Bolivia; Colombia; Ecuador; Peru

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program.
Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN)
[Online Database].
National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland.
URL: http://www.ars-grin.gov/var/apache/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl?Philodendron+hederaceum (12 July 2004)

2.02

2.03

(1) Hardiness Range 10B to 11
(2)Philodendron hederaceum ranges throughout the West Indies and from Mexico throughout Central America and much of South America, at sea level to 1200(1500) m elevation. In South America it extends from as far south as Los Ríos Province in coastal Ecuador to Trinidad, Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia on the Atlantic drainage of the continent.

(1) Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7.
(2) http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info?p_psn=220&p_type=all&p_sci=comm&p_x=px

2.04

Philodendron hederaceum ranges throughout the West Indies and from Mexico throughout Central America and much of South America, at sea level to 1200(1500) m elevation. In South America it extends from as far south as Los Ríos Province in coastal Ecuador to Trinidad, Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia on the Atlantic drainage of the continent.

http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info?p_psn=220&p_type=all&p_sci=comm&p_x=px

2.05

(1) Egypt, (2) Taiwan, (3) India, (4) USA

(1) Dahab, A. M. A. , Ibrahim, I. A. , Arafa, A. M. S. , Nower, A. A. (2000) Effect of in vitro and ex vitro light intensity and in vitro aeration on growth of some plants of aracease family during in vitro rooting and adaptation stages. Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research, 2000, Vol. 78, No. 5, pp. 2011-2027, 37 ref.
(2) Ann PaoJen , Tsai JyhNong (2000) Phytophthora blight of peace lily in Taiwan. Plant Pathology Bulletin, 2000, Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 145-150, 24 ref.
(3) Subramaniam, A. (1996) Cultivation of ornamental climbers at the experimental garden, Yercaud. Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany, 1996, Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 341-344, 3 ref.
(4) http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/PHISCAA.PDF

3.01

no evidence

3.02

no evidence

3.03

no evidence

3.04

not known to be invasive

http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/PHISCAA.PDF

3.05

no evidence

4.01

no evidence of these traits

http://www.aroid.org/genera/Philodendron/Philodendron/Solenosterigma/hederaceum.htm

4.02

no evidence

4.03

no evidence

4.04

no evidence

4.05

(1) AB: "This household ornamental plant, also known as P. cordatum, has been implicated in poisoning of domestic cats. Three cats were given 2.8, 5.6 or 9.1 g/kg minced leaves by stomach tube and killed 24 hours later. "
(2) Family pets can also exhibit signs of toxicity if they chew on leaves of philodendrons. Hanna (1986) lists several symptoms attributable to ingestion of these plants by pets. However, Sellers et al. (1977) conducted laboratory feeding studies on cats and concluded that signs of acute toxicity were not found upon necropsy, even when large quantities of leaves were ingested. Experimental work on mice and rats showed that death occurred when the rodents were given extracts from leaves and stems (Der Marderosian et al. 1976).

(1) Sellers, S. J. , King, M. , Aronson, M. E. , Marderosian, A. der (1978) Toxicologic assessment of Philodendron oxycardium Schott (Araceae) in domestic cats. Veterinary and Human Toxicology, 1978, Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 92-96, 14 ref.
(2) http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info?p_psn=220&p_type=all&p_sci=comm&p_x=px

4.06

X. dieffenbachiae and Dasheen Mosaic Virus are specialist pathogens on ornamental and crop plants of Araceae

(1) Hayward, A. C. (1972) A bacterial disease of Anthurium in Hawaii. Plant Disease Reporter, 1972, Vol. 56, No. 10, pp. 904-908
(2) Wisler, G. C. , Zettler, F. W. , Hartman, R. D. , McRitchie, J. J. (1978) Dasheen mosaic virus infections of philodendrons in Florida. Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society, 1978, publ. 1979, Vol. 91, pp. 237-240, 15 ref.

4.07

"Heart-leaved philodendron (Philodendron scandens) is an ornamental. Chewing the leaves of philodendrons results in painful burning and swelling of the mouth parts because of the oxalates. Contact dermatitis also occurs (Lampe and McCann 1985). A recent survey showed that even though 67% of 188 cases involved philodendrons, only one case developed minor symptoms (Mrvos et al. 1990). McIntire et al. (1990) describe the death of an infant after it had ingested a philodendron. The child had ulceration of lips and tongue as well as esophageal erosion. Death was caused by cardiac arrest secondary to vagotonia resulting from esophageal erosions. "

http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info?p_psn=220&p_type=all&p_sci=comm&p_x=px

4.08

Evergreen

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

4.09

(1)Exposure Full shade to partial sun (2)The plant will live in very low light conditions (50 - 75 footcandles)

(1)Horticopia A-Z.Horticopia, Inc., Purcellville, VA. ISBN 1-887215-07-7. (2)http://www.grizdales.zapto.org/houseplants/010211h.html

4.1

Soil Condition Loamy, sandy, clay, acidic, neutral, slightly alkaline, tolerates some salt, somewhat drought tolerant

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

4.11

"Hemiepiphytic vine; growing to often high in trees, stem appressed-climbing, eventually scandent, often pendent"

http://www.aroid.org/genera/Philodendron/Philodendron/Solenosterigma/hederaceum.htm

4.12

no evidence

5.01

"Hemiepiphytic vine"

http://www.aroid.org/genera/Philodendron/Philodendron/Solenosterigma/hederaceum.htm

5.02

Hemiepiphytic vine; Araceae

http://www.aroid.org/genera/Philodendron/Philodendron/Solenosterigma/hederaceum.htm

5.03

Araceae

5.04

"Hemiepiphytic vine; growing to often high in trees, stem appressed-climbing, eventually scandent, often pendent"

http://www.aroid.org/genera/Philodendron/Philodendron/Solenosterigma/hederaceum.htm

6.01

"Species which, in general, flower aseasonally are usually common species such as P. hederaceum (though it is apparently more frequently in flower in the dry season)"

http://www.aroid.org/genera/Philodendron/flowalyear.htm

6.02

Propagation is by cuttings. [could not find any seeds for sale; rarely flowers of fruits in cultivation, seeds unknown]

http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/PHISCAA.PDF

6.03

"Though more studies must be made on pollination biology of Philodendron and even though the beetle pollination system is somewhat sloppy and imprecise, a combination of a moderately strong beetle-plant specificity, coupled with severe phenological constraints and narrow windows of pollination opportunities (perhaps as little as a few hours per year) work to reduce interspecific hybridization. Although hybrids can be readily produced under greenhouse conditions, evidence for hybridization is not apparent among wild populations"

http://www.aroid.org/genera/Philodendron/pollibiol.htm

6.04

no evidence

6.05

"Pollinators are members of subfamily Dynastinae in the family Scarabaeidae (Fig. 32). All beetles determined to date from either Central American or South American Philodendron are members of the genera Cyclcephala or Erioscelis."

http://www.aroid.org/genera/Philodendron/pollibiol.htm

6.06

"roots brown, to 10 cm long, many at nodes" [probably yes, a vine with ability to root at nodes]

http://www.aroid.org/genera/Philodendron/Philodendron/Solenosterigma/hederaceum.htm

6.07

[vegetative spread]

7.01

no evidence

7.02

an ornamental generally available in many areas within its hardiness range

http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/PHISCAA.PDF

7.03

no evidence

7.04

no evidence

7.05

no evidence

7.06

(1)"Though little is known about fruit dispersal, the mesocarp surrounding the seeds contained within each locule is juicy or gelatinous and is usually sweet and sticky, making it logically animal dispersed. Infructescences are frequently seen which appear to have been pecked apart by birds (Fig. 36). Certainly the sticky seeds, often many per berry, would logically be easily dispersed on birds beaks. Alternatively the infructescence is large, and even faintly scented when fully mature, making it an appealing meal even for mammals such as monkeys." [description of the GENUS] (2)FLOWERING SEASON: Rarely produced FRUITS: Berries, rarely produced [may be restricted to vegetative spread]

(1)http://www.aroid.org/genera/Philodendron/berries.htm (2)http://www.allergenica.com/Details.asp?PLANTID=163

7.07

(1)"Though little is known about fruit dispersal, the mesocarp surrounding the seeds contained within each locule is juicy or gelatinous and is usually sweet and sticky, making it logically animal dispersed. Infructescences are frequently seen which appear to have been pecked apart by birds (Fig. 36). Certainly the sticky seeds, often many per berry, would logically be easily dispersed on birds beaks. Alternatively the infructescence is large, and even faintly scented when fully mature, making it an appealing meal even for mammals such as monkeys." [description of the GENUS] (2)FLOWERING SEASON: Rarely produced FRUITS: Berries, rarely produced [may be restricted to vegetative spread]

(1)http://www.aroid.org/genera/Philodendron/berries.htm (2)http://www.allergenica.com/Details.asp?PLANTID=164

7.08

(1)"Though little is known about fruit dispersal, the mesocarp surrounding the seeds contained within each locule is juicy or gelatinous and is usually sweet and sticky, making it logically animal dispersed. Infructescences are frequently seen which appear to have been pecked apart by birds (Fig. 36). Certainly the sticky seeds, often many per berry, would logically be easily dispersed on birds beaks. Alternatively the infructescence is large, and even faintly scented when fully mature, making it an appealing meal even for mammals such as monkeys." [description of the GENUS] (2)FLOWERING SEASON: Rarely produced FRUITS: Berries, rarely produced [may be restricted to vegetative spread]

(1)http://www.aroid.org/genera/Philodendron/berries.htm (2)http://www.allergenica.com/Details.asp?PLANTID=165

8.01

(1)"INFRUCTESCENCE pendent, often on leafless stems; spathe dark green, weakly glossy outside; pistillate spadix 5--8 cm long, 3.5--4 cm diam.; berries greenish white; seeds 1--2 per locule, somewhat orange, many per berry, more or less ovoid to oblong ellipsoid, (1.5)3--5 mm long, 2.5--4 mm diam., with weak constriction (nipple) and densely covered with raphide cells." [few seeds per berry] (2)FLOWERING SEASON: Rarely produced FRUITS: Berries, rarely produced

(1)http://www.aroid.org/genera/Philodendron/Philodendron/Solenosterigma/hederaceum.htm (2)http://www.allergenica.com/Details.asp?PLANTID=163

8.02

no evidence [appear vegetative only]

8.03

Oxadiazon at 2.2 kg/ha, napropamide at 4.5 kg/ha,simazine at 2.2 kg/ha, oxadiazon + alachlor at 1.7 + 1.7 kg/ha or simazine + napropamide at 1.1 + 4.5 kg/ha was applied twice at 3-month intervals in 1980 and 1981 to ground stock beds of Philodendron scandens oxycardium. Alachlor at 2.2 kg/ha was applied at 6-week intervals. Weed control was very good with the treatments containing oxadiazon and poor to fair with the others. No herbicide treatment caused significant visual symptoms of phytotoxicity. The treatments did not affect internode length or cutting weight compared with controls and had no effect on rooting of cuttings taken from treated beds, or on subsequent growth of the cuttings. Node position had little effect on rooting of cuttings.

Stamps, R. H. , Bodnaruk, W. H., Jr.1982. Herbicide application to heartleaf philodendron stock beds.Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society, Vol. 94, pp. 117-119

8.04

(1)The growing tips should be pruned regularly to keep the plant from becoming sparse leafed and lanky.

(1)http://www.grizdales.zapto.org/houseplants/010211h.html

8.05

no evidence