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

Spathodea campanulata

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

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

y

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

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

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

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

n

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

y

4.1

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

n

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

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

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

n

6.07

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

See left

3

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

y

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

y

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

y

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

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

y

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

n

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

n

Total score:

14

Source

Notes

1.01

Did not find any evidence that the species is a cultivar

1.02

Wagner,W. L., D. R. Herbst & S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of flowering plants of Hawaii.University of Hawaii at Press. Honolulu.

'…in Hawaii … now naturalized especially in mesic to wet areas at low elevations on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii.

1.03

Wagner,W. L., D. R. Herbst & S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of flowering plants of Hawaii.University of Hawaii at Press. Honolulu.

This is a monotypic genus. Also did not find any evidence that the species has weedy races (sub species, cultivars or varieties).

2.01

Bose, T. K., P. Das, G. G. Maiti. 1998. Trees of the world. Vol 1. Art Publishing house. Calcutta. India.

The tree is indigenous to Africa and is grown in most tropical countries in the world.

2.02

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

It is grown in many tropical countries throughout the world.

2.03

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. 2)http://www.floridata.com/ref/s/spat_cam.cfm

Although it is known to inhabit humid habitats it can withstand a dry period for up to 6 months. Also it grows from an altitude of 0 - 1200 m. 2) USDA hardiness zone 10-11 suggests narrow environmental tolerance in terms of temperature.

2.04

Wagner,W. L., D. R. Herbst & S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of flowering plants of Hawaii.University of Hawaii at Press. Honolulu.

'Native to tropical Africa, planted extensively an ornamental and shade tree throughout the tropics; in Hawaii … now naturalized… .'

2.05

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

Has been introduced in several countries in the tropics.

3.01

Wagner,W. L., D. R. Herbst & S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of flowering plants of Hawaii.University of Hawaii at Press. Honolulu.

'…in Hawaii … now naturalized especially in mesic to wet areas at low elevations on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii. Also naturalized in Fiji and elsewhere.

3.02

3.03

3.04

(1) McConnell J, Muniappan R, 1991. Introduced ornamental plants that have become weeds on Guam. Micronesia. 1991, No. 3, Supplement, 47-49 (2) Swarbrick, J. T.; Hart, R.Swarbrick, J. T.; Hart, R. 2001. Environmental weeds of Christmas Island (Indian Ocean) and their management. Plant Protection Quarterly, Vol.16, No.2, pp.54-57 (3)http://www.floridata.com/ref/S/spat_cam.cfm (4)http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/carr/spa_cam.htm (5)http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-11156.htm [Federal Register: June 17, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 116)]

(1) 'Introduced ornamental plants that are considered weeds on Guam include Antigonon leptopus, Spathodea campanulata, … ' (2) 'The major environmental weeds of Christmas Island are ...Spathodea campanulata and Tecoma stans.' (3)African tuliptree invades both abandoned farmland and mature forests, where the seeds germinate rapidly and form understory thickets from which a few saplings eventually grow into the canopy. (4)It invades abandoned agricultural land and closed forest where the wind-dispersed seeds germinate rapidly. These seedlings continue growing, forming thickets from which a few saplings may reach the canopy. There are major infestations tucked away in almost every rain forest valley along the northern and eastern slopes of Kaua'i, O'ahu, and East Maui. (5)The primary threats to Hibiscus brackenridgei ssp. mokuleianus on Oahu are....competition with the nonnative plant species....Spathodea campanulata (African tulip tree)

3.05

Wagner,W. L., D. R. Herbst & S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of flowering plants of Hawaii.University of Hawaii at Press. Honolulu.

This is a monotypic genus.

4.01

Wagner,W. L., D. R. Herbst & S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of flowering plants of Hawaii.University of Hawaii at Press. Honolulu.

The species does not produce spines, thorns or burrs.

4.02

Did not find any evidence that this species has allelopathic properties.

4.03

Did not find any evidence that this species is a parasite.

4.04

No evidence.

4.05

Irvene, F. R. 1961. Woody plants of Ghana with special reference to their uses. Oxford university press. London.

Did not find any direct evidence of this species being poisonous to animals. But in its native range the hunters prepare a bait from the fruit - a decoction is prepared from the hard central portion of the fruit which kills the animal when it drinks it.

4.06

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International.

It is mentioned that the species is susceptible to a wide range of pests and pathogens but did not find a list of species -except that it is susceptible to heart and butt-rot fungi.

4.07

(1) CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. (2) Irvene, F. R. 1961. Woody plants of Ghana with special reference to their uses. Oxford university press. London.

(1) 'The seeds are used as food in Africa. Various parts of the plants are used in African traditional medicine.' (2) Various parts of the tree are used as medicine both internally and externally.

4.08

Cowen, C. V. 1952. Flowering trees and shrubs in India. Thacker and Co Ltd. Bombay.

Did not find any evidence on the fire ecology of this species but according to Cowen: 'Tulip tree wood is difficult to burn and makes poor firewood but because of this property it is ideal for constructing the sides of blacksmiths bellows.' 2) Tree is valuable for fire-resistant landscaping.

4.09

Smith, C, W, 1985. Impact of alien plants on Hawaii's native biota. In Hawaii's terrestrial ecosystems: preservation and management. Stone, C. P. & J. M. Scott. Cooperative national park resource studies unit. University of Hawaii.

'This showy, shade tolerant …'

4.1

CAB International, 2000. Forestry Compendium Global Module. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. 2)http://www.floridata.com/ref/S/spat_cam.cfm

From the soil map - this species does not seem to grow under a wide variety of soil types. 2) prefers rich, moist soil.

4.11

Wagner,W. L., D. R. Herbst & S. H. Sohmer. 1990. Manual of flowering plants of Hawaii.University of Hawaii at Press. Honolulu.

The species is a tree 7 - 25 m tall. Did not find any evidence to it having a smothering habit.

4.12

Typically grows with other species (trees sometimes occur in small clusters)

Did not find any evidence of this species ability to grow in monocultures.

5.01

5.02

5.03

The species is a large evergreen tree in the family Bignoniaceae. I did not find any evidence on its ability to fix nitrogen.

5.04

6.01

Did not find any evidence on the reproductive failure in the native range.

6.02

Did not find any evidence on the non-viability of its seeds.

6.03

Did not find any evidence on hybridization.

6.04

No evidence.

6.05

Neginhal SG, 1986. Some beautiful trees of Bangalore. Myforest. 1986, 22: 4, 241-244.

'The flowers have a rich source of nectar that attracts bird which in the process of feeding pollinate the flowers.' ANY KIND OF BIRD OR SPECIALIZED LIKE HUMMINGBIRD? The reference does not qualify 'birds' any further.

6.06

Irvene, F. R. 1961. Woody plants of Ghana with special reference to their uses. Oxford university press. London.

Although the species is propagated by cuttings I did not find any evidence to this species spreading naturally by vegetative means.

6.07

Bose, T. K., P. Das, G. G. Maiti. 1998. Trees of the world. Vol 1. Art Publishing house. Calcutta. India. 2)http://www.floridata.com/ref/S/spat_cam.cfm

'…and the tree flowers in about 4 years after planting of sapling.' 2) trees bloom when only a few years old. Grow 6 ft per year.

7.01

Eggeling, W. J. 1951. The indigenous trees of the Uganda protectorate. The government printer. Entebbe, Uganda.

'Seeds 3/4 in. long, including the almost transparent surrounding wing.' They do not have any mechanism by which they could get attached and hence unlikely to be dispersed unintentionally by people.

7.02

Irvene, F. R. 1961. Woody plants of Ghana with special reference to their uses. Oxford university press. London.

Although the species is grown in gardens and as an avenue tree for its showy flowers, the fruits are not edible.

7.03

Eggeling, W. J. 1951. The indigenous trees of the Uganda protectorate. The government printer. Entebbe, Uganda.

'Seeds 3/4 in. long, including the almost transparent surrounding wing.' Seeds dspersed by wind (dense around mother tree) and can easily become trapped in produce containers.

7.04

Neginhal SG, 1986. Some beautiful trees of Bangalore. Myforest. 1986, 22: 4, 241-244.

'The seeds are white, thin like paper and are winged. They are therefore blown off to long distances by wind.'

7.05

floats on water, wings are potentially a co-adaptation for water dispersal, since it often grows in very wet habitats and along streams

7.06

7.07

The morphology of the seed does not indicate any means by which it could attach to animals and hence be dispersed.

7.08

Did not come across any direct reference about the any ungulates eating the fruits. Also the seeds are wind dispersed.

8.01

It usually flowers from December to April but under moderate conditions it can flower for several months. This may be taken to indicate that it is a prolific seeder? 100+ seeds per pod.

8.02

No evidence.

8.03

http://www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/forestry/Newsletter_Pages/renewable_resources_extension__h.htm

Herbicides used for injection or notch application included Roundup (glyphosate), Remedy (triclopyr), and DMA4 (dimethylamine salt of 2,4-D). All three herbicides also had visible effects on Spathodea campanulata, although defoliation was slow and incomplete

8.04

Smith, C, W, 1985. Impact of alien plants on Hawaii's native biota. In Hawaii's terrestrial ecosystems: preservation and management. Stone, C. P. & J. M. Scott. Cooperative national park resource studies unit. University of Hawaii.

quickly re-sprouts from cut stumps

8.05

Did not find any evidence of biocontrol applied to this species. Species has successfully invaded Hawai‘i's forests.