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TIPPC Plant Assessment Form
For use with “Criteria for Categorizing Invasive Non-Native Plants that Threaten Wildlands”
by the California Invasive Plant Council and the Southwest Vegetation Management Association
Version February 2003, modified July 2009 for the Texas Invasive Plant & Pest Council –
www.texasinvasives.org
Table 1. Species and Evaluator Information
Species name (Latin binomial):
Melia azedarach L.
Synonyms:
Melia azedarach L. var. umbraculifera Knox
Common names:
Chinaberry
Evaluation date (mm/dd/yy):
06/20/2011; 09/01/2012
Evaluator #1 Name/Title:
Travis Gallo/Ecologist
Affiliation:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Phone numbers:
512-232-0116
Email address:
[email protected]
Address:
4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, Texas 78704
Evaluator #2 Name/Title:
Jessica Strickland/Ecologist
Affiliation:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Phone numbers:
512-232-0107
Email address:
[email protected]
Address:
4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, Texas 78704
Section below for list committee use—please leave blank
Damon Waitt, Scott Walker
List committee members:
Committee review date:
09/04/2012
List date:
enter text here
Re-evaluation date(s):
enter text here
General comments on this assessment:
Evaluation 1: Originally assessed for the City of Austin Invasive Management Plan.
Evaluation 2: The Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council (TIPPC) is proposing to the Texas Invasive
Species Coordinating Committee to add Melia azedarch to the Texas Department of Agriculture Noxious
and Invasive Plant List (Texas Administrative Code: Title 4, Part 1, Chapter 19, Subchapter T, Rule:
§19.300). The original Weed Risk Assessment (June 2011) is a supporting document; therefore, TIPPC
conducted a secondary evaluation to ensure data accuracy (September 2012).
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TIPPC Plant Assessment Form
Table 2. Criteria, Section, and Overall Scores
Species: Melia azedarach L.
Region: Texas
1.1
Impact on abiotic
ecosystem
processes
1.2
Impact on plant
community
1.3
Impact on higher
trophic levels
C
Other Pub. Mat’l
1.4
Impact on genetic
integrity
D
No Information
B
Other Pub. Mat’l
A
1. Other Pub. Mat’l
2. Observational
2.1
2.2
Role of
anthropogenic and
natural disturbance
in establishment
Local
rate of
spread with no
management
A
Other Pub. Mat’l
A
Other Pub. Mat’l
2.3
C
1. Rev’d Sci. Pub’n
2. Other Pub. Mat’l
2.4
Innate reproductive
potential Wksht A
A
1. Rev’d Sci. Pub’n
2. Other Pub. Mat’l
2.6
Potential for
human-caused
dispersal
Potential for
natural longdistance dispersal
A
1. Other Pub. Mat’l
2. Observational
A
1. Rev’d Sci. Pub’n
2. Other Pub. Mat’l
2.7
Other regions
invaded
C
Other Pub. Mat’l
3.1
Ecological
amplitude/Range
Wksht B
A
Other Pub. Mat’l
3.2
2
Distribution/Peak
frequency Wksht B
Enter four characters
from Q1.1-1.4 below:
AACD
Recent trend in
total area infested
within state
2.5
Impact
A
Using matrix, determine
score and enter below:
A
Invasiveness
Enter the sum total of
all points for Q2.1-2.7
below:
16
Use matrix to determine
score and enter below:
B
Distribution
A
Using matrix, determine
Overall Score and Alert
Status from the three
section scores and enter
below:
High
No Alert
Using matrix, determine
score and enter below:
Other Pub. Mat’l
Plant Score
Documentation
Average of all questions
2.69
TIPPC Plant Assessment Form
Table 3. Documentation (List all references at end of PAF. Short citations may be used in Table 3.)
Impacts
Question 1.1 Impact on abiotic ecosystem processes
Identify ecosystem processes impacted:
A Other Pub. Mat’l back
Chinaberry canopy reduces light availability for understory vegetation, which alters plant successional processes.
It has multiple allelopathic traits, primarily created through leaf litter decomposition, including: increasing soil
pH, increasing the concentration of mineralizable nitrogen, and reducing soil aluminum levels. These traits
significantly alter the surrounding soil chemistry, which negatively impacts native plants and wildlife.
Sources of information: enter text here
Batcher M.S. 2000. Element Stewardship Abstract for Melia azedarach. The Nature Conservancy. Available:
http://www.invasive.org/gist/esadocs/documnts/meliaze.pdf [2012, September 1].
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG),
[Online]. 2008. Global Invasive Species Database: Melia azedarach. Available:
http://www.issg.org/database/species/impact_info.asp?si=636&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN [2011, June 22].
Waggy, Melissa, A. 2009. Melia azedarach. 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/ [2011, June 22].
Question 1.2 Impact on plant community composition, structure, and interactions A Other Pub. Mat’l back
Identify type of impact or alteration:
Chinaberry is a fast growing tree that also exhibits vegetative regeneration. These characteristics allow
chinaberry to outcompete and displace native vegetation. Stand density has been described as “impenetrable”,
and following physical disturbances (e.g., fire, herbivory), stands can exhibit colonial type growth.
Stands can dominate >75% of the vegetation in the area.
Sources of information: enter text here
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG),
[Online]. 2008. Global Invasive Species Database: Melia azedarach. Available:
http://www.issg.org/database/species/impact_info.asp?si=636&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN [2011, June 22].
Waggy, Melissa, A. 2009. Melia azedarach. 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/ [2011, June 22].
Question 1.3 Impact on higher trophic levels
Identify type of impact or alteration: enter text here
C Other Pub. Mat’l back
Chinaberry seeds contain a narcotic that is toxic to humans, birds and other mammals. Ingestion of seeds can
cause gastrointestinal problems, liver and kidney problems, and paralysis. Birds can spread seed, but ingestion
may result in paralysis.
Sources of information: enter text here
Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Melia azedarach, [Online]. University of Florida IFAS Extension,
Gainesville, Florida. Available: http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/266 [2012, September 1].
USDA Forest Service, Southern Region, National Forests in Florida, September 2000, Protection Report R8-PR
50.
Waggy, Melissa, A. 2009. Melia azedarach. 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/ [2011, June 22].
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TIPPC Plant Assessment Form
D No Information back
Question 1.4 Impact on genetic integrity
Identify impacts: enter text here
There are no known accounts of hybridization with native flora.
Sources of information: enter text here
Invasiveness
Question 2.1 Role of anthropogenic and natural disturbance in establishment
Describe role of disturbance: enter text here
B Other Pub. Mat’l back
Chinaberry can invade undisturbed landscapes; however, both anthropogenic and natural disturbances are
documented to increase establishment potential.
Sources of information: enter text here
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG),
[Online]. 2008. Global Invasive Species Database: Melia azedarach. Available:
http://www.issg.org/database/species/impact_info.asp?si=636&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN [2011, June 22].
Waggy, Melissa, A. 2009. Melia azedarach. 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/ [2011, June 22].
Question 2.2 Local rate of spread with no management
Describe rate of spread: enter text here
A Other Pub. Mat’l, Observational back
Chinaberry has a high degree of reproductive vigor; is highly heat, drought, and pest tolerant; and can thrive in
various soil types and textures. Research indicates that chinaberry can spread at a rate greater than doubling
every 10 years.
Sources of information: enter text here
Gilman, E.F. and D.G. Watson. 2009. Melia azedarach: Chinaberry. Florida A. & M. University Cooperative
Extension Program, Publication #ENH-565.
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG),
[Online]. 2008. Global Invasive Species Database: Melia azedarach. Available:
http://www.issg.org/database/species/impact_info.asp?si=636&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN [2011, June 22].
Waggy, Melissa, A. 2009. Melia azedarach. 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/ [2011, June 22].
Observational: T. Gallo (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center), 2011.
Question 2.3 Recent trend in total area infested within state
Describe trend: enter text here
C Rev’d Sci. Pub’n, Other Pub. Mat’l back
Chinaberry is considered an established alien species in Texas. There is documented occurrence in all 12 Level
III Texas Ecoregions (Griffith et al., 2004), and as a result, Chinaberry populations are considered stable.
Current management efforts include using color-infrared aerial photography techniques to monitor population
trends in natural areas.
Sources of information: enter text here
Everitt, J. H.; Escobar, D. E.; Neck, R. W. 1989. Using color-infrared aerial photography to distinguish
chinaberry (Melia azedarach L.) infestations in southern and south-central Texas. Texas Journal of Science.
41(3): 265-272. [75582]
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TIPPC Plant Assessment Form
Invaders of Texas Citizen Science Program, Citizen Scientist Observations [Online]. Available:
http://texasinvasives.org/observations/search.php?satellite=&sn=MEAZ&cn [2012, September 2].
Question 2.4 Innate reproductive potential
Describe key reproductive characteristics:
A Rev’d Sci. Pub’n, Other Pub. Mat’l back
Refer to Worksheet A
Sources of information:
Waggy, Melissa, A. 2009. Melia azedarach. 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/ [2011, June 22].
A Other Pub. Mat’l, Observational back
Question 2.5 Potential for human-caused dispersal
Identify dispersal mechanisms: enter text here
Chinaberry is sold in the nursery industry, though not as commonly as in the past and not through large-scale
distributors.
Chinaberry is commonly found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and railroad right-of-ways. In these areas
chinaberry seeds can fall and be contained by the railcar or automobile, which can lead to long distance seed
dispersal.
Sources of information: enter text here
Hall, Meredith. 2000. IPlants: Invasive Plants and the Nursery Industry. Brown University, Center for
Environmental Studies. Available:
http://www.brown.edu/Research/EnvStudies_Theses/full9900/mhall/IPlants/Home.html [2012, September 2].
Observational: T. Gallo (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center), 2011.
Observational: M. Murphrey (Texas Forest Service), 2012.
Question 2.6 Potential for natural long-distance dispersal
Identify dispersal mechanisms: enter text here
A Rev’d Sci. Pub’n, Other Pub. Mat’l back
Chinaberry is a prolific seeder, and birds are the primary dispersal mechanism. Birds are documented to eat
seeds and use twigs for nesting materials, which readily mobilizes seed. To a lesser degree, mammals, wind, and
water disperse seeds.
Sources of information: enter text here
Waggy, Melissa, A. 2009. Melia azedarach. 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/ [2011, June 22].
Voigt, F, N. Farwig and S.D.Johnson. 2011. Interactions between the invasive tree Melia azedarach (Meliaceae)
and native frugivores in South Africa. Journal of Tropical Ecology 27:355–363.
Question 2.7 Other regions invaded
Identify other regions: enter text here
C Other Pub. Mat’l back
In Texas, chinaberry has established populations across a wide range of ecological habitats. There is
documented species occurrence in all 12 Level III Texas Ecoregions (Griffith et al, 2004).
Sources of information: enter text here
EDDMapS. 2012. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System, [Online]. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available: http://www.eddmaps.org/ [2012, September 2]
Invaders of Texas Citizen Science Program, Mapping [Online]. Available:
http://texasinvasives.org/observations/mapping.php?search=Go&species=MEAZ [2012, September 2]
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TIPPC Plant Assessment Form
Waggy, Melissa, A. 2009. Melia azedarach. 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/ [2011, June 22].
Distribution
Question 3.1 Ecological amplitude/Range
A Other Pub. Mat’l back
Describe ecological amplitude, identifying date of source information and approximate date of introduction to
the state, if known: enter text here
Refer to Worksheet B
Sources of information: enter text here
EDDMapS. 2012. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System, [Online]. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available: http://www.eddmaps.org/ [2012, September 2]
Invaders of Texas Citizen Science Program, Citizen Scientist Observations [Online]. Available:
http://texasinvasives.org/observations/search.php?satellite=&sn=MEAZ&cn [2012, September 2]..
USDA PLANTS Database, [Online]. Available:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Texas&statefips=48&symbol=MEAZ [2012, September 2].
Question 3.2 Distribution/Peak frequency
Describe distribution: enter text here
A Other Pub. Mat’l back
Refer to Worksheet B
Sources of information: enter text here
EDDMapS. 2012. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System, [Online]. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available: http://www.eddmaps.org/ [2012, September 2]
Invaders of Texas Citizen Science Program, Citizen Scientist Observations [Online]. Available:
http://texasinvasives.org/observations/search.php?satellite=&sn=MEAZ&cn [2012, September 2].
USDA PLANTS Database, [Online]. Available:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Texas&statefips=48&symbol=MEAZ [2012, September 2].
References
List full citations for all references used in the PAF (short citations such as DiTomaso and Healy 2007 may be
used in table above). Websites should include the name of the organization and the date accessed. Personal
communications should include the affiliation of the person providing the observation. Enter each reference on
a separate line; the table will expand as needed.
Examples:
Mitich, L. W. 1995. Intriguing world of weeds: Tansy ragwort. Weed Technology. 9: 402-404.
HEAR. Date unknown. Emex spinosa. Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk.
www.hear.org/pier/species/emex_spinosa.htm. Accessed March 17, 2009
DiTomaso, J. M. Personal communication from Dr. Joe DiTomaso, Dept. of Plant Science, UC Davis. Email
received 3/17/09.
enter text here
Batcher M.S. 2000. Element Stewardship Abstract for Melia azedarach. The Nature Conservancy. Available:
http://www.invasive.org/gist/esadocs/documnts/meliaze.pdf [2012, September 1].
Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Melia azedarach, [Online]. University of Florida IFAS Extension,
Gainesville, Florida. Available: http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/266 [2012, September 1].
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TIPPC Plant Assessment Form
EDDMapS. 2012. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System, [Online]. The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available: http://www.eddmaps.org/ [2012, September 2].
Everitt, J. H.; Escobar, D. E.; Neck, R. W. 1989. Using color-infrared aerial photography to distinguish
chinaberry (Melia azedarach L.) infestations in southern and south-central Texas. Texas Journal of Science.
41(3): 265-272. [75582]
Gilman, E.F. and D.G. Watson. 2009. Melia azedarach: Chinaberry. Florida A. & M. University Cooperative
Extension Program, Publication #ENH-565.
Griffith, G.E., Bryce, S.A., Omernik, J.M., Comstock, J.A., Rogers, A.C., Harrison, B., Hatch, S.L., and
Bezanson, D., 2004, Ecoregions of Texas, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR.
Hall, Meredith. 2000. IPlants: Invasive Plants and the Nursery Industry. Brown University, Center for
Environmental Studies. Available:
http://www.brown.edu/Research/EnvStudies_Theses/full9900/mhall/IPlants/Home.html [2012, September 2].
Invaders of Texas Citizen Science Program, Citizen Scientist Observations Database [Online]..
http://texasinvasives.org/observations/search.php?satellite=&sn=MEAZ&cn [2012, September 2].
Invaders of Texas Citizen Science Program, Mapping [Online]. Available:
http://texasinvasives.org/observations/mapping.php?search=Go&species=MEAZ [2012, September 2]
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG),
[Online]. 2008. Global Invasive Species Database: Melia azedarach. Available:
http://www.issg.org/database/species/impact_info.asp?si=636&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN [2011, June 22].
USDA Forest Service, Southern Region, National Forests in Florida, September 2000, Protection Report R8-PR
50.
USDA PLANTS Database, [Online]. Available:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Texas&statefips=48&symbol=MEAZ [2012, September 2].
Waggy, Melissa, A. 2009. Melia azedarach. 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/ [2011, June 22].
Observational: T. Gallo (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center), 2011.
Observational: M. Murphrey (Texas Forest Service), 2012.
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TIPPC Plant Assessment Form
Worksheet A
Reaches reproductive maturity in 2 years or less
1
Dense infestations produce >1,000 viable seed per square meter
2
Populations of this species produce seeds every year.
1
Seed production sustained over 3 or more months within a population annually
1
Seeds remain viable in soil for three or more years
0
Viable seed produced with both self-pollination and cross-pollination
1
Has quickly spreading vegetative structures (rhizomes, roots, etc.) that may root at
nodes
Fragments easily and fragments can become established elsewhere
1
Resprouts readily when cut, grazed, or burned
1
0
8
0
A
Note any related traits: enter text here
Within two years of establishment, chinaberry trees produced from vegetative sprouts produce 200 times
mores biomass than those produced from seed.
Notes for Worksheet B - Texas Ecoregions
Question 3.1
Ecological amplitude
Refer to the worksheet and select the one letter below that indicates the number of different ecological types that this
species invades in your state.
A. Widespread—the species invades at least three Level III ecoregions or at least 22 Level IV ecoregions.
B. Moderate—the species invades two Level III ecoregions 8 Level IV ecoregions.
C. Limited—the species invades only one Level III ecoregion and two to six Level IV ecoregions.
D. Narrow—the species invades only one Level IV ecoregion.
U. Unknown.
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TIPPC Plant Assessment Form
Worksheet B – Level III and IV Ecoregions of Texas
(Griffith et al, 2004).
* A. means >50% of type occurrences are invaded; B means >20% to 50%;
C. means >5% to 20%; D. means present but ≤5%; U. means unknown
Code
Level III
ER01
Arizona/New Mexico Mountains
ER02
Chihuahuan Deserts
ER03
High Plains
ER04
Southwestern Tablelands
ER05
Central Great Plains
ER06
Cross Timbers
ER07
Edwards Plateau
ER08
Southern Texas Plains
ER09
Texas Blackland Prairies
ER10
ER11
ER12
9
East Central Texas Plains
Western Gulf Coastal Plain
South Central Plains
Level IV
Chihuahuan Desert Slopes
Montane Woodlands
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas
Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands
Low Mountains and Bajadas
Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands
Stockton Plateau
Rolling Sand Plains
Canadian/Cimarron High Plains
Llano Estacado
Shinnery Sands
Arid Llano Estacado
Canadian/Cimarron Breaks
Flat Tablelands and Valleys
Caprock Canyons, Badlands, and Breaks
Semiarid Canadian Breaks
Red Prairie
Broken Red Plains
Limestone Plains
Eastern Crosstimbers
Western Crosstimbers
Grand Prairie
Limestone Cut Plain
Carbonate Cross Timbers
Edwards Plateau Woodland
Llano Uplift
Balcones Canyonlands
Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains
Semiarid Edwards Bajadas
Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub
Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces
Northern Blackland Prairies
Southern Blackland/Fayette Prairie
Floodplains and Low Terraces
Northern Post Oak Savanna
Southern Post Oak Savanna
San Antonio Prairie
Northern Prairie Outliers
Bastrop Lost Pines
Floodplains and Low Terraces
Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Floodplains and Low Terraces
Coastal Sand Plain
Lower Rio Grande Valley
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain
Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes
Mid-Coast Barrier Islands and Coastal Marshes
Laguna Madre Barrier Islands and Coastal Marshes
Tertiary Uplands
Floodplains and Low Terraces
Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces
Southern Tertiary Uplands
Flatwoods
Red River Bottomland
Score
D
D
D
D
D
A
C
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
C
TIPPC Plant Assessment Form