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

Tamarix gallica ( French tamarisk, saltcedar, manna plant, tamarisk )

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

1

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

1

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

y

3.04

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

n=0

3.05

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

n=0

y

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

n

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

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

y

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

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

n

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

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

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

n

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

n

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:

8.5

Notes

Source

1.01

No evidence

1.02

(1)naturalized elsewhere (2)State/Province - Category - Description of Noxious Status
Colorado - A - Noxious weed
Montana - 2 - Noxious weed: recently introduced and rapidly spreading
North Dakota - Y - Noxious weed
New Mexico - C - Class C weeds: species that are widespread throughout the state.
Nevada - Y - Noxious weed
Washington - B - Non-native species limited to portions of WA; designated for control in regions where not yet widespread
Wyoming - Y - Designated noxious weed: detrimental, destructive, injurious or poisonous
(3)Naturalized in Britain

(1)http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl?Tamarix+gallica (2) http://invader.dbs.umt.edu/scripts/esrimap.dll?name=Noxious_map&Plant_Name=
Tamarix+gallica&submit1=Submit&Choice=1&CMD=Map (3) http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Tamarix+gallica

1.03

No evidence

2.01

(1)Origin (native to where): Eurasia, Africa

(1)http://www.hear.org/gcw/html/autogend/species/18922.HTM

2.02

2.03

(1) 'Usually found near the coast, it succeeds inland if given a fairly good deep loam and a sunny position[11, 200]. Tolerant of maritime winds and dry soils when grown near the coast[11], plants require a moister soil and shelter from cold drying winds when they are grown inland in non-saline soils because they use the soil salts that are found in saline soils to help them reduce transpiration.' (2)doesn't tolerate heat too well

(1)http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Tamarix+gallica (2)http://www.ag.auburn.edu/landscape/389.html

2.04

(1)naturalized elsewhere (2)State/Province - Category - Description of Noxious Status
Colorado - A - Noxious weed
Montana - 2 - Noxious weed: recently introduced and rapidly spreading
North Dakota - Y - Noxious weed
New Mexico - C - Class C weeds: species that are widespread throughout the state.
Nevada - Y - Noxious weed
Washington - B - Non-native species limited to portions of WA; designated for control in regions where not yet widespread
Wyoming - Y - Designated noxious weed: detrimental, destructive, injurious or poisonous
(3)Naturalized in Britain

(1)http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl?Tamarix+gallica (2) http://invader.dbs.umt.edu/scripts/esrimap.dll?name=Noxious_map&Plant_Name=
Tamarix+gallica&submit1=Submit&Choice=1&CMD=Map (3) http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Tamarix+gallica

2.05

(1)naturalized elsewhere (2)State/Province - Category - Description of Noxious Status
Colorado - A - Noxious weed
Montana - 2 - Noxious weed: recently introduced and rapidly spreading
North Dakota - Y - Noxious weed
New Mexico - C - Class C weeds: species that are widespread throughout the state.
Nevada - Y - Noxious weed
Washington - B - Non-native species limited to portions of WA; designated for control in regions where not yet widespread
Wyoming - Y - Designated noxious weed: detrimental, destructive, injurious or poisonous
(3)Naturalized in Britain

(1)http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl?Tamarix+gallica (2) http://invader.dbs.umt.edu/scripts/esrimap.dll?name=Noxious_map&Plant_Name=
Tamarix+gallica&submit1=Submit&Choice=1&CMD=Map(3) http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Tamarix+gallica

3.01

(1)naturalized elsewhere (2)State/Province - Category - Description of Noxious Status
Colorado - A - Noxious weed
Montana - 2 - Noxious weed: recently introduced and rapidly spreading
North Dakota - Y - Noxious weed
New Mexico - C - Class C weeds: species that are widespread throughout the state.
Nevada - Y - Noxious weed
Washington - B - Non-native species limited to portions of WA; designated for control in regions where not yet widespread
Wyoming - Y - Designated noxious weed: detrimental, destructive, injurious or poisonous
(3)Naturalized in Britain

(1)http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl?Tamarix+gallica (2) http://invader.dbs.umt.edu/scripts/esrimap.dll?name=Noxious_map&Plant_Name=
Tamarix+gallica&submit1=Submit&Choice=1&CMD=Map (3) http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Tamarix+gallica

3.02

'Saltcedar establishes in disturbed and undisturbed streams, waterways, bottomlands, banks and drainage washes of natural or artificial waterbodies, moist rangelands and pastures, and other areas where seedlings can be exposed to extended periods of saturated soil for establishment. Saltcedar can grow on highly saline soils containing up to 15,000 ppm soluble salt and can tolerate alkali conditions. '

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

3.03

(1) 'Saltcedar establishes in disturbed and undisturbed streams, waterways, bottomlands, banks and drainage washes of natural or artificial waterbodies, moist rangelands and pastures, and other areas where seedlings can be exposed to extended periods of saturated soil for establishment. Saltcedar can grow on highly saline soils containing up to 15,000 ppm soluble salt and can tolerate alkali conditions. ' (2)State/Province - Category - Description of Noxious Status
Colorado - A - Noxious weed
Montana - 2 - Noxious weed: recently introduced and rapidly spreading
North Dakota - Y - Noxious weed
New Mexico - C - Class C weeds: species that are widespread throughout the state.
Nevada - Y - Noxious weed
Washington - B - Non-native species limited to portions of WA; designated for control in regions where not yet widespread
Wyoming - Y - Designated noxious weed: detrimental, destructive, injurious or poisonous

(1)http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm (2)http://invader.dbs.umt.edu/scripts/esrimap.dll?name=Noxious_map&Plant_Name=
Tamarix+gallica&submit1=Submit&Choice=1&CMD=Map

3.04

Best considered a disturbance weed considering statements in 3.03 -- Streams are highly disturbed environments.

3.05

AB: 'Biological invasions are drastically altering natural habitats and threatening biodiversity on both local and global levels. In one of the United States' worst invasions, Eurasian Tamarix plant species have spread rapidly to dominate over 600,000 riparian and wetland hectares. The largest Tamarix invasion consists of Tamarix chinensis and Tamarix ramosissima, two morphologically similar species. ... '

TI: Hybrid Tamarix widespread in U.S. invasion and undetected in native Asian range.
AU: Gaskin, JF; Schaal, BA
SO:Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.

4.01

No evidence of any such structures.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.arbolesornamentales.com
/Tamarixgallica.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3DTamarix%2Bgallica%26
hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8%26oe%3DUTF-8%26sa%3DG

4.02

No evidence

4.03

No evidence

4.04

AB: "Four halophytic shrubs (Atriplex halimus, Nitraria retusa, Tamarix gallica , and Limoniastrum guyonianum ) were selected for analysis from the list of edible species on rangeland grazed by dromedaries of the Arid Region Institute of Médenine. Samples of the edible parts of these species were collected on the same day, once a month, throughout one year. They were analyzed to determine dry matter (DM), mineral matter (MM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents. The studied species grow on marginal grounds (salty and hydromorphic), have acceptable nutritional value, and can contribute to meeting dromedaries requirements, especially since they are less affected by the rainfall variation that characterizes the arid zones. "

Khorchani, T.; Hammadi, M.; Abdouli, H.; Essid, H. (2000) Determination of chemical composition and in vitro digestibility in four halophytic shrubs in southern Tunisia. [FT: Evolution de la composition chimique et de la digestibilité in vitro de quatre arbustes halophytes dans le sud Tunisien.] Gintzburger, G.; Bounejmate, M.; Nefzaoui, A.
AA: Institut des Régions Arides Médenine, Tunisia. Fodder shrub development in arid and semi-arid zones. Volume 2. Proceedings of the Workshop on Native and Exotic Fodder Shrubs in Arid and Semi-arid Zones, 27 October-2 November 1996, Hammamet, Tunisia, 2000, pp.540-550, 14 ref.

4.05

No evidence

4.06

The following fungi were listed to be associated with Tamarix gallica: Botryosphaeria tamaricis: Argentina - 7983; India - 7983
Cytospora tamaricophila: Canary Islands - 8323
Dothiora tamaricis: Azores - 7988
Hendersonula meridionalis: Romania - 6807; United Kingdom - 6807; Yugoslavia - 6807
Inonotus tamaricis: Greece - 32768
Leptosphaeria hollosii: Hungary - 8360
Leptosphaeria meridionalis: Italy - 8360
Leptosphaeria tamaricis: Hungary - 8360
Poria dictyopora: New Zealand - 5832
Rosellinia amblystoma: Spain - 8480 [none of above show economic importance]
*Monochaetia unicornis: Italy - 6889 [a pathogen cause canker on Rosaceae, Pinus, Cupressaceae which contain many economically important crops] [BROAD HOST RANGE]

http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/all/FindRecOneFungusFrame.cfm

4.07

Probably not - 'The branchlets and the leaves are astringent and diuretic[7]. An external compress is applied to wounds to stop the bleeding[7]. The manna produced on the plant is detergent, expectorant and laxative.'

http://plants.gardenbed.com/67/6661_med.asp

4.08

'Saltcedars are fire-adapted species and have long tap roots that allow them to intercept deep water tables and interfere with natural aquatic systems. Saltcedar disrupts the structure and stability of native plant communities and degrades native wildlife habitat by outcompeting and replacing native plant species, monopolizing limited sources of moisture, and increasing the frequency, intensity and effect of fires and floods.'

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

4.09

It cannot grow in the shade.

http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Tamarix+gallica

4.1

(1) 'The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It requires dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.' ... 'An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils and tolerant of saline conditions.' (2)Grows well in heavy clay soils as well as in sands and even shingle

(1)http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Tamarix+gallica (2)http://www.gardenbed.com/t/3834.cfm

4.11

Not a vine. A shrub.

http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Tamarix+gallica

4.12

Most saltcedars, or tamarisks, are deciduous shrubs or small trees growing to 12 -15 feet in height and forming dense thickets.' ; 'Saltcedar disrupts the structure and stability of native plant communities and degrades native wildlife habitat by outcompeting and replacing native plant species, monopolizing limited sources of moisture, and increasing the frequency, intensity and effect of fires and floods.' [seems to form dense thickets?]

(1) http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

5.01

A decidious shrub growing to 4m by 6m at a medium rate.

http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Tamarix+gallica

5.02

Tamaricaceae

5.03

Tamaricaceae

5.04

No evidence

6.01

No evidence

6.02

'Seedlings require extended periods of soil saturation for establishment.'

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

6.03

AB: '… The largest Tamarix invasion consists of Tamarix chinensis and Tamarix ramosissima, two morphologically similar species. To clarify the identity, origins, and population structuring of this invasion, we analyzed DNA sequence data from an intron of a nuclear gene, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PepC). This intron proved to be highly variable at the population level, and the 269 native and invasive specimens yielded 58 haplotypes, from which we constructed a gene genealogy. Only four of these haplotypes were common to both the U.S. and Eurasia. Surprisingly, we found that the most common plant in this U.S. invasion is a hybrid combination of two species-specific genotypes that were geographically isolated in their native Eurasian range. Less extensive hybrids exist in the invasion, involving combinations of T. ramosissima and T. chinensis with Tamarix parviflora and Tamarix gallica. The presence of potentially novel hybrids in the U.S. illustrates how

TI: Hybrid Tamarix widespread in U.S. invasion and undetected in native Asian range.
AU: Gaskin, JF; Schaal, BA
SO: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.

6.04

seldom, if ever self-seeds.

http://216.239.57.104/search?q=cache:TPWh9fqVXiIJ:www.env.gov.je/
database/planning/simpsearchform.asp+more+site:www.env.gov.je&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

6.05

'The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.'

http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Tamarix+gallica

6.06

'Saltcedar spreads vegetatively, by adventitious roots or submerged stems, and sexually.'

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

6.07

Don’t know

7.01

Probably not - no evidence that the seeds have any means of attachment.

7.02

Ornamental tree

http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl?Tamarix+gallica

7.03

[Probably not - even though seeds are tiny - no evidence that the species inhabits areas close to where economically important crops are grown.] 'Each flower can produce thousands of tiny (1/25-inch diameter) seeds that are contained in a small capsule usually adorned with a tuft of hair that aids in wind dispersal. Seeds can also be dispersed by water.'

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

7.04

'Each flower can produce thousands of tiny (1/25-inch diameter) seeds that are contained in a small capsule usually adorned with a tuft of hair that aids in wind dispersal. Seeds can also be dispersed by water.'

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

7.05

'Each flower can produce thousands of tiny (1/25-inch diameter) seeds that are contained in a small capsule usually adorned with a tuft of hair that aids in wind dispersal. Seeds can also be dispersed by water.'

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

7.06

'Each flower can produce thousands of tiny (1/25-inch diameter) seeds that are contained in a small capsule usually adorned with a tuft of hair that aids in wind dispersal. Seeds can also be dispersed by water.'

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

7.07

'Each flower can produce thousands of tiny (1/25-inch diameter) seeds that are contained in a small capsule usually adorned with a tuft of hair that aids in wind dispersal. Seeds can also be dispersed by water.'

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

7.08

'Each flower can produce thousands of tiny (1/25-inch diameter) seeds that are contained in a small capsule usually adorned with a tuft of hair that aids in wind dispersal. Seeds can also be dispersed by water.' [no evidence of consumption]

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

8.01

'Each flower can produce thousands of tiny (1/25-inch diameter) seeds that are contained in a small capsule usually adorned with a tuft of hair that aids in wind dispersal. Seeds can also be dispersed by water.'

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

8.02

Seeds are short-lived

http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt9710.html

8.03

'For extensive infestations of saltcedar, chemical control has been shown to be the most effective method. Cautious use of herbicides aids in restoration of saltcedar infested sites by allowing repopulation by native plant species. Systemic herbicides (e.g., those that kill the plant from the root up) are recommended for saltcedar management and application methods include foliar sprays, cut stump treatments, basal bark treatments, and aerial sprays. Because tamarisk usually grows in or adjacent to streams, wetlands and other waterways, it is important to use products registered for aquatic application.'

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

8.04

(1) "It dislikes being trimmed." But (2) "Saltcedar spreads vegetatively, by adventitious roots or submerged stems"; "Saltcedars are fire-adapted species and have long tap roots that allow them to intercept deep water tables and interfere with natural aquatic systems. Saltcedar disrupts the structure and stability of native plant communities and degrades native wildlife habitat by outcompeting and replacing native plant species, monopolizing limited sources of moisture, and increasing the frequency, intensity and effect of fires and floods." [tolerates fire] (3) Plants are tolerant of severe pruning, sprouting freely from old wood

(1) http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Tamarix+gallica (2) http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm (3)http://www.gardenbed.com/t/3834.cfm

8.05

'Fifteen insects are being investigated as potential biological control agents for saltcedar. Two of these, a mealybug (Trabutina mannipara) and a leaf beetle (Diorhabda elongata), have preliminary approval for release. Five others are being tested within the United States and an additional eight species are under study overseas. Final approval for release of the mealybug and the leaf beetle is pending resolution of concerns regarding their potential impact to the southwestern subspecies of the willow flycatcher (Empidonax trailii extimus), a federally endangered bird. In parts of its range where native willows, its natural nest trees, have been replaced by saltcedar, the willow flycatcher now utilizes it for this purpose. Concern is over the possibility that, due to the environmental damage caused by tamarisk, native plant species may not be able to replace it if the biological control agents succeed in eliminating it. ' [no evidence for Hawaii]

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm