Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-c4f8m Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-24T22:32:05.179Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Invasion Potential of Chinese Tallowtree (Triadica sebifera) in California's Central Valley

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Michael J. Bower*
Affiliation:
Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
Clare E. Aslan
Affiliation:
Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
Marcel Rejmánek
Affiliation:
Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
*
Corresponding author's E-mail: mjbower@ucdavis.edu

Abstract

The ecological effects of Chinese tallowtree are well documented in the southeastern United States, yet this known invasive plant continues to be planted extensively in California's Central Valley, where it has recently naturalized in several locations. Climate modeling suggests that most of California's lowland riparian habitat is susceptible to invasion by Chinese tallowtree; however, no field tests are available to corroborate this result for California or to identify local environmental constraints that might limit potential habitats. We used observational and experimental methods to evaluate invasion potential of Chinese tallowtree in riparian habitats in California's Central Valley. High invasion potential, indicated by an intersection of the maxima of dispersal probability, germination, and survivorship of seedlings, occurred at low elevations immediately next to perennial waters. The main factor limiting Chinese tallowtree invasion potential in more elevated habitats appears to be lack of seedling drought tolerance. These findings suggest that California's riparian habitats are vulnerable to invasion by Chinese tallowtree, especially downstream of current naturalized populations where water or bird dispersal will deposit seeds in environments ideal for germination and growth.

Type
Research
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Literature Cited

Baldwin, M. J., Barrow, W. C. Jr, Jeske, C., and Rohwer, F. C. 2008. Metabolizable energy in Chinese tallow fruit for yellow-rumped warblers, northern cardinals, and American robins. Wilson J. Ornithol 120:525530.Google Scholar
Barrilleaux, T. C. and Grace, J. B. 2000. Growth and invasive potential of Sapium sebiferum (Euphorbiaceae) within the coastal prairie region: the effects of soil and moisture regime. Am. J. Bot 87:10991106.Google Scholar
Barrow, W. C. Jr and Renne, I. 2001. Interactions between migrant landbirds and an invasive exotic plant: the Chinese tallow tree. Flyway Newsl 8:11.Google Scholar
Baskin, C. C. and Baskin, J. M. 1998. Seeds: Ecology, Biogeography, and Evolution of Dormancy and Germination. San Diego Academic Press. 666 p.Google Scholar
Battaglia, L. L., Denslow, J. S., Inczauskis, J. R., and Baer, S. G. 2009. Effects of native vegetation on invasion success of Chinese tallow in a floating marsh ecosystem. J. Ecol 97:239246.Google Scholar
Blossey, B. and Notzold, R. 1995. Evolution of increased competitive ability in invasive nonindigenous plants: a hypothesis. J. Ecol 83 (5):887889.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bogler, D. J. 2000. Element stewardship abstract for Sapium sebiferum. Arlington, VA The Nature Conservancy.Google Scholar
Brode, J. M. and Bury, R. B. 1984. The importance of riparian systems to amphibians and reptiles. Pages 3036. In Warner, R. E. and Hendrix, K. M. California Riparian Systems: Ecology, Conservation, and Productive Management. Berkeley, CA University of California Press.Google Scholar
Bruce, K. A., Cameron, G. N., and Harcombe, P. A. 1995. Initiation of a new woodland type on the Texas coastal prairie by the Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb.). Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 122:215225.Google Scholar
Bruce, K. A., Cameron, G. N., Harcombe, P. A., and Jubinsky, G. 1997. Introduction, impact on native habitats, and management of a woody invader, the Chinese tallow tree, Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb. Nat. Areas J 17:255260.Google Scholar
Burns, J. H. and Miller, T. E. 2004. Invasion of Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) in the Lake Jackson area, northern Florida. Am. Midl. Nat 152:410417.Google Scholar
Butterfield, H. M. 1964. Dates of Introduction of Trees and Shrubs to California. Davis, CA Landscape Horticulture. 28 p.Google Scholar
[Cal-IPC] California Invasive Plant Council 2003. Chinese Tallow Plant Assessment Form. Berkeley, CA Cal-IPC.Google Scholar
Cameron, G. N., Glumac, E. G., and Eshelman, B. D. 2000. Germination and dormancy in seeds of Sapium sebiferum (Chinese tallow tree). J. Coastal Res 16 (2):391395.Google Scholar
Cameron, G. N. and Spencer, S. R. 1989. Rapid leaf decay and nutrient release in a Chinese tallow forest. Oecologia 80:222228.Google Scholar
[CCH] Consortium of California Herbaria 2009. Accession Results for Sapium sebiferum . http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium/. Accessed: August 13, 2009.Google Scholar
Charbonneau, R. and Kondolf, G. M. 1993. Land use change in California, USA: Nonpoint source water quality impacts. Environ. Manag 17:453460.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Clary, J., Savé, R., Biel, C., and De Herralde, F. 2004. Water relations in competitive interactions of Mediterranean grasses and shrubs. Ann. Appl. Biol 144:149155.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Closset-Kopp, D., Chabrerie, O., Valentin, B., Delachapelle, H., and Decocq, G. 2007. When Oskar meets Alice: does a lack of trade-off in r/K-strategies make Prunus serotina a successful invader in European forests? Forest Ecol. Manag 247:120130.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Collinge, S. K., Holyoak, M., Barr, C. B., and Marty, J. T. 2001. Riparian habitat fragmentation and population persistence of the threatened valley elderberry longhorn beetle in central California. Biol. Conserv 100:103113.Google Scholar
Conner, W. H. 1994. The effect of salinity and waterlogging on growth and survival of baldcypress and Chinese tallow seedlings. J. Coastal Res 10:10451049.Google Scholar
Crooks, J. A. and Soulé, M. E. 1999. Lag times in population explosions of invasive species: causes and implications. Pages 103126. In Sandlund, O. T., Sohei, P. J., and Viken, A. Invasive Species and Biodiversity Management. Dordrecht, The Netherlands Kluwer Academic.Google Scholar
Daehler, C. C., Denslow, J. S., Ansari, S., and Kuo, H-C. 2004. A risk-assessment system for screening out invasive pest plants from Hawaii and other Pacific islands. Conserv. Biol 18:360368.Google Scholar
Davis, W. S., Stanger, R., Nash, W. L., Kucera, J., and Surface, A. 1946. District Program: Brazoria–Galveston Soil Conservation District No. 318, Texas. Washington, DC U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.Google Scholar
DavisWiki, , 2009. North Area Pond. http://daviswiki.org/North_Area_Pond. Accessed: September 9, 2009.Google Scholar
Donahue, C., Rogers, W. E., and Siemann, E. 2004. Effects of temperature and mulch depth on Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum) seed germination. Tex. J. Sci 56 (4):347356.Google Scholar
Eng, L. L. 1984. Rare, threatened and endangered invertebrates in California riparian systems. Pages 915920. In Warner, R. E. and Hendrix, K. M. California Riparian Systems: Ecology, Conservation, and Productive Management. Berkeley, CA University of California Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gaines, M. S., Vogt, K. J., Hamrick, J. L., and Caldwell, J. 1974. Reproductive strategies and growth patterns in sunflowers (Helianthus). Am. Nat 108:989994.Google Scholar
Grace, J. B. and Allain, L. K. 2001. Can prescribed fire save the endangered coastal prairie ecosystem from Chinese tallow (poster)? 132. in. Proceedings of the 6th Meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice. Montreal, Canada Secretariat of the Convention.Google Scholar
Hatch, C. R. 2007. Trees of the California Landscape. Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA University of California Press. 428 p.Google Scholar
Howes, F. N. 1949. The Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum Roxb.): a source of drying oil. Kew Bull 4:573580.Google Scholar
Hrusa, F., Ertter, B., Sanders, A., Leppig, G., and Dean, E. 2002. Catalogue of non-native vascular plants occurring spontaneously in California beyond those addressed in The Jepson Manual—Part I. Madroño 49:6198.Google Scholar
Hunter, J. C., Willett, K. B., McCoy, M. C., Quinn, J. F., and Keller, K. E. 1999. Prospects for preservation and restoration of riparian forests in the Sacramento Valley, California, USA. Environ. Manag 24:6575.Google Scholar
Jamieson, G. S. and McKinney, R. S. 1938. Stillingia oil. Oil Soap 15:295296.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jaryan, V., Chopra, S., Uniyal, S. K., and Sing, R. D. 2007. Spreading fast yet unnoticed: are we in for another invasion? Curr. Sci. India 93:14831484.Google Scholar
Jefferson, L., Havens, K., and Ault, J. 2004. Implementing invasive screening procedures: the Chicago Botanic Garden model. Weed Technol 18:14341440.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jones, R. H. and McLeod, K. W. 1989. Shade tolerance in seedlings of Chinese tallow tree, American sycamore, and cherrybark oak. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 116:371377.Google Scholar
Jubinsky, G. and Anderson, L. C. 1996. The invasive potential of Chinese tallow-tree (Sapium sebiferum Roxb.) in the southeast. Castanea 61:226231.Google Scholar
Katibah, E. F. 1984. A brief history of riparian forests in the Central Valley of California. Pages 2330. In Warner, R. E. and Hendrix, K. M. California Riparian Systems: Ecology, Conservation, and Productive Management. Berkeley, CA University of California Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kolar, C. S. and Lodge, D. M. 2001. Progress in invasion biology: predicting invaders. Trends Ecol. Evol 16:199204.Google Scholar
Leung, B., Lodge, D. M., Finnoff, D., Shogren, J. F., Lewis, M. A., and Lamberti, G. 2002. An ounce of prevention or a pound of cure: bioeconomic risk analysis of invasive species. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond 269:24072413.Google Scholar
Moody, M. E. and Mack, R. N. 1988. Controlling the spread of plant invasions: the importance of nascent foci. J. of Appl. Ecol 25:10091022.Google Scholar
Mount, J. F. 1995. California Rivers and streams, the conflict between fluvial process and land use. Berkeley, CA University of California Press. 376 p.Google Scholar
Pattison, R. R. and Mack, R. N. 2008. Potential distribution of the invasive tree Triadica sebifera (Euphorbiaceae) in the United States: evaluating CLIMEX predictions with field trials. Glob. Change Biol 14:813826.Google Scholar
Pattison, R. R. and Mack, R. N. 2009. Environmental constraints on the invasion of Triadica sebifera in the eastern United States: an experimental field assessment. Oecologia 158:591602.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Rejmánek, M. and Pitcairn, M. J. 2002. When is eradication of exotic pest plants a realistic goal? 249253. In Veitch, C. R. and Clout, M. N. Turning the Tide: The Eradication of Invasive Species. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.Google Scholar
Rejmánek, M. and Richardson, D. M. 1996. What attributes make some plant species more invasive? Ecology 77:16551661.Google Scholar
Renne, I. J., Barrow, J., Wylie, C., Johnson Randall, L. A., Bridges, J., and William, C. 2002. Generalized avian dispersal syndrome contributes to Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum, Euphorbiaceae) invasiveness. Divers. Distrib 8:285295.Google Scholar
Renne, I. J., Gauthreaux, J., Sidney, A., and Gresham, C. A. 2000. Seed dispersal of the Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb.) by birds in coastal South Carolina. Am. Midl. Nat 144:202215.Google Scholar
Renne, I. J., Spira, T. P., and Bridges, W. C. Jr. 2001. Effects of habitat, burial, age and passage through birds on germination and establishment of Chinese tallow tree in coastal South Carolina. J. Torrey Bot. Soc 128:109119.Google Scholar
Richardson, D. M., Allsopp, N., D'Antonio, C. M., Milton, S. J., and Rejmánek, M. 2000. Plant invasions—the role of mutualisms. Biol. Rev 75:6593.Google Scholar
Rogers, W. E. and Siemann, E. 2002. Effects of simulated herbivory and resource availability on native and invasive exotic tree seedlings. Basic Appl. Ecol 3:297307.Google Scholar
Rogers, W. E. and Siemann, E. 2003. Effects of simulated herbivory and resources on Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum, Euphorbiaceae) invasion of native coastal prairie. Am. J. Bot 90:243249.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Sakai, A. K., Allendorf, F. W., Holt, J. S., et al. 2001. The population biology of invasive species. Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst 32:305332.Google Scholar
Samuels, I. A. 2004. Invasion of Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum): a test of dispersal and recruitment limitation in multiple habitats. M.S. thesis. Gainesville, FL University of Florida. 72 p.Google Scholar
Siemann, E., Rogers, W. E., and DeWalt, S. J. 2006. Rapid adaptation of insect herbivores to an invasive plant. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B- Biol. Sci 273:27632769.Google Scholar
[USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2008. Species Assessment Form for the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo. Region 8, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Sacramento, CA USFWS. 45 p.Google Scholar
Zou, J., Rogers, W. E., DeWalt, S. J., and Siemann, E. 2006. The effect of Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum) ecotype on soil-plant system carbon and nitrogen processes. Oecologia 150:272281.Google Scholar
Zou, J., Rogers, W. E., and Siemann, E. 2007. Differences in morphological and physiological traits between native and invasive populations of Sapium sebiferum . Funct. Ecol 21:721730.Google Scholar
Zou, J., Rogers, W. E., and Siemann, E. 2008. Increased competitive ability and herbivory tolerance in the invasive plant Sapium sebiferum . Biol. Invasions 10:291302.Google Scholar