Aristea (Aristea ecklonii)

Present distribution

Scientific name:	Aristea ecklonii Baker
Common name(s):	aristea, blue corn lily, blue stars

Map showing the present distribution of this weed.

Habitat:

Naturalised in montane grasslands (Pemadasa 1981), disturbed bushland, along roadsides (Richardson et al. 2006), riparian, dry sclerophyll forest/woodland (Csurhes, Edwards 1998), shrubland/scrub, urban/open space (Auckland Regional Council 2002), tracks, open forest e.g. kauri (Auckland Regional Council 2007), upper montane rain forest (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998), wetlands, estuaries, coastal grassland (TEM 2007), exposed areas near the shoreline, up to the dunes. Salt tolerant (Llamas 2003), drought tolerant (Diggers Club 2008).

Potential distribution

Potential distribution produced from CLIMATE modelling refined by applying suitable landuse and vegetation type overlays with CMA boundaries

Map Overlays Used

Land Use:
Forestry; pasture dryland; pasture irrigation

Ecological Vegetation Divisions
Coastal; heathland; grassy/heathy dry forest; swampy scrub; freshwater wetland (permanent); treed swampy wetland; lowland forest; foothills forest; forby forest; damp forest; riparian; wet forest; rainforest; high altitude shrubland/woodland; high altitude wetland; alpine treeless; granitic hillslopes; rocky outcrop
shrubland; western plains woodland; basalt grassland; alluvial plains grassland; semi-arid woodland; alluvial plains woodland; ironbark/box; riverine woodland/forest; freshwater wetland (ephemeral); saline wetland

Colours indicate possibility of Aristea ecklonii infesting these areas.

In the non-coloured areas the plant is unlikely to establish as the climate, soil or landuse is not presently suitable.

Red= Very high	Orange = Medium
Yellow = High	Green = Likely

Impact

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Social
1. Restrict human access?	Herbaceous to 70 cm (Richardson et al. 2006) - Minimal OR negligible impact (ie. can go anywhere).	l	mh
2. Reduce tourism?	Grows to 70 cm, with blue flowers, in bushland (Richardson et al. 2006), grasslands (Pemadasa 1981), and rain forest (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998) - Minor effects to aesthetics AND/OR recreational uses (ie. aware but not bothered or activity inhibited).	ml	mh
3. Injurious to people?	Not known to have injurious properties; not mentioned in the literature (Csurhes 2008; Richardson et al. 2006) - No effect, no prickles, no injuries.	l	mh
4. Damage to cultural sites?	Grows to 70 cm, with blue flowers, in bushland (Richardson et al. 2006), grasslands (Pemadasa 1981), and rain forest (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998) – may have a moderate visual effect in historic gardens and natural cultural sites.	ml	mh
Abiotic
5. Impact flow?	Terrestrial (Richardson et al. 2006) - Little or negligible affect on water flow.	l	mh
6. Impact water quality?	Terrestrial (Richardson et al. 2006) - No noticeable effect on dissolved 0₂OR light levels.	l	mh
7. Increase soil erosion?	Rhizomatous perennial (Pretorius et al. 2002) - Low probability of large scale soil movement; OR decreases the probability of soil erosion.	l	mh
8. Reduce biomass?	Grows to 70 cm in bushland (Richardson et al. 2006), grasslands (Pemadasa 1981), rainforest (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998), and forms dense stands (Csurhes 2008). “Forms dense, long-lived stands… preventing the seedlings of native species from establishing. Opens up the canopy, leading to further invasion by weedy shrubs, vines and grasses” (Weedbusters 2009) - Biomass significantly decreased (eg. trees replaced by more open community).	h	mh
9. Change fire regime?	Herbaceous perennial that grows to 70 cm in bushland (Richardson et al. 2006), grasslands (Pemadasa 1981), rainforest (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998). “Forms dense, long-lived stands… preventing the seedlings of native species from establishing. Opens up the canopy, leading to further invasion by weedy shrubs, vines and grasses” (Weedbusters 2009) - Greatly changes the frequency AND/OR intensity of fire risk.	h	mh
Community Habitat
10. Impact on composition (a) high value EVC	EVC = Damp Forest (E); CMA = West Gippsland; Bioregion = Strzelecki Ranges; VH CLIMATE potential. Herbaceous perennial that grows to 70 cm in bushland (Richardson et al. 2006), grasslands (Pemadasa 1981), rainforest (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998), forming dense stands (Csurhes 2008). “Extensive patches out-compete native species” (Auckland Regional Council 2007). “Forms dense, long-lived stands… preventing the seedlings of native species from establishing. Opens up the canopy, leading to further invasion by weedy shrubs, vines and grasses” (Weedbusters 2009) Monoculture within a specific layer; displaces all spp. within a strata/layer	h	h
(b) medium value EVC	EVC = Sedgey Riparian Woodland (D); CMA = Corangamite; Bioregion = Central Victorian Uplands; VH CLIMATE potential. Herbaceous perennial that grows to 70 cm in bushland (Richardson et al. 2006), grasslands (Pemadasa 1981), rainforest (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998), forming dense stands (Csurhes 2008). “Extensive patches out-compete native species” (Auckland Regional Council 2007). “Forms dense, long-lived stands… preventing the seedlings of native species from establishing. Opens up the canopy, leading to further invasion by weedy shrubs, vines and grasses” (Weedbusters 2009) Monoculture within a specific layer; displaces all spp. within a strata/layer	h	h
(c) low value EVC	EVC = Wet Forest (LC); CMA = West Gippsland; Bioregion = Highlands – Southern Fall; VH CLIMATE potential. Herbaceous perennial that grows to 70 cm in bushland (Richardson et al. 2006), grasslands (Pemadasa 1981), rainforest (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998), forming dense stands (Csurhes 2008). “Extensive patches out-compete native species” (Auckland Regional Council 2007). “Forms dense, long-lived stands… preventing the seedlings of native species from establishing. Opens up the canopy, leading to further invasion by weedy shrubs, vines and grasses” (Weedbusters 2009) Monoculture within a specific layer; displaces all spp. within a strata/layer	h	h
11. Impact on structure?	Herbaceous perennial that grows to 70 cm in bushland (Richardson et al. 2006), grasslands (Pemadasa 1981), rainforest (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998), forming dense stands (Csurhes 2008). “Extensive patches out-compete native species” (Auckland Regional Council 2007). In Sri Lanka it was found that “the total relative frequencies of endemic and exotic species [including A. ecklonii] were nearly same in the understorey vegetation” in upper montane rain forest at 1600 m and 1800 m (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998). “Forms dense, long-lived stands… preventing the seedlings of native species from establishing. Opens up the canopy, leading to further invasion by weedy shrubs, vines and grasses” (Weedbusters 2009). - Major effect on < 60% of the floral strata.	mh	mh
12. Effect on threatened flora?	“Forms dense, long-lived stands… preventing the seedlings of native species from establishing. Opens up the canopy, leading to further invasion by weedy shrubs, vines and grasses” (Weedbusters 2009). However it is not yet known to effect any population of Bioregional Priority 1A or VROT spp.	mh	l
Fauna
13. Effect on threatened fauna?	“Forms dense, long-lived stands… preventing the seedlings of native species from establishing. Opens up the canopy, leading to further invasion by weedy shrubs, vines and grasses” (Weedbusters 2009). However it is not yet known to effect any population of Bioregional Priority or VROT spp.	mh	l
14. Effect on non-threatened fauna?	Herbaceous perennial that grows to 70 cm in bushland (Richardson et al. 2006), grasslands (Pemadasa 1981), rainforest (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998), forming dense stands (Csurhes 2008). “Extensive patches out-compete native species” (Auckland Regional Council 2007). In Sri Lanka it was found that “the total relative frequencies of endemic and exotic species [including A. ecklonii] were nearly same in the understorey vegetation” in upper montane rain forest at 1600 m and 1800 m (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998) - Reduction in habitat for fauna spp., leading to reduction in numbers of individuals, but NOT to local extinction.	mh	mh
15. Benefits fauna?	Eaten by mountain baboons (Byrne et al. 1993) – may provide some assistance in food to desirable species	mh	m
16. Injurious to fauna?	Not known to have injurious properties; not mentioned in the literature (Csurhes 2008; Richardson et al. 2006) - No effect.	l	mh
Pest Animal
17. Food source to pests?	“Pollination of species with these flowers is, as far as known, by pollen-collecting female bees of the families Anthophoridae, Halictidae, and as is often the case in Africa, Apis mellifera” (Goldblatt, Le Thomas 1997) – supplies food for one or more minor pest spp.	ml	m
18. Provides harbor?	Herbaceous perennial that grows to 70 cm (Richardson et al. 2006) and forms dense stands (Csurhes 2008) - Capacity to harbor rabbits or foxes at low densities or as overnight cover.	mh	mh
Agriculture
19. Impact yield?	Not listed as an agricultural weed (Randall 2007), however it does occur in grasslands (Pemadasa 1981), and Csurhes (2007) predicts pasture incursions in Queensland – potential to have an impact on pasture yield, however to what is extent is unknown	m	l
20. Impact quality?	Not listed as an agricultural weed (Randall 2007), however it does occur in grasslands (Pemadasa 1981), and Csurhes (2007) predicts pasture incursions in Queensland – potential to have an impact on pasture quality, however to what is extent is unknown	m	l
21. Affect land value?	Not listed as an agricultural weed (Randall 2007) - not likely to affect land value	l	m
22. Change land use?	“Difficult to eradicate once established as seeds prolifically. Clear roadsides, tracks and streamsides first, then move into bush” (Auckland Regional Council 2007) – may cause downgrading of the priority land use, to one with either less agricultural return.	mh	m
23. Increase harvest costs?	Although it is not listed as an agricultural weed (Randall 2007) it is “difficult to eradicate once established as seeds prolifically.” (Auckland Regional Council 2007) – may increase harvest cost, however to what extent is unknown.	m	l
24. Disease host/vector?	“The crude extract of A ecklonii performed best of all extracts as it totally inhibited the mycetial growth of all seven of the plant pathogenic test organisms and outperformed the inhibition by a broad spectrum synthetic fungicide” (Pretorius et al. 2002) - Little or no host.	l	h

Invasive

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Establishment
1. Germination requirements?	“The elongate, leathery-woody, tardily dehiscent capsules of section Pseudaristea [including A. ecklonii] suggest another strategy for survival in the southern African winter-rainfall zone. Flowering occurs from September to November in the various species, but the seeds are not shed for at least six months after ripening and thus are held in the hard-walled capsules until the rainy season, which begins in April or May. The capsules decay under wet conditions and then release their seeds at a time most favourable for germination. The tough capsules presumable serve as a protection from both desiccation and insect predation during the long period that the seeds are retained.” (Goldblatt, Le Thomas 1997) – requires natural seasonal disturbances such as seasonal rainfall	mh	h
2. Establishment requirements?	Naturalised in upper montane rain forest in Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve in Sri Lanka (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998) – can establish without additional factors.	h	h
3. How much disturbance is required?	Found in turves in montane grasslands in Sri Lanka (Pemadasa 1981). “Occasionally found in disturbed bushland and along roadsides” (Richardson et al. 2006). “Isolated, small naturalised populations exist in Victoria, where it is considered to pose a threat to riparian vegetation and dry sclerophyll forest/woodland. Small naturalised populations exist on the central coast of New South Wales in disturbed woodland and the Sydney area” (Csurhes, Edwards 1998). Habitats: “Roadsides, tracks, open forest e.g. kauri, in extensive patches. Most common in North Auckland” (Auckland Regional Council 2007). Naturalised in upper montane rain forest in Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve in Sri Lanka (Rathnayake, Jayasekera 1998) - Establishes in healthy AND undisturbed natural ecosystems (e.g. mallee, alpine, heathland).	h	h
Growth/Competitive
4. Life form?	Rhizomes (Kumar et al. 1985), corms (Larsen et al. 1987) – geophyte	ml	h
5. Allelopathic properties?	Not known to have allelopathic properties (Qasem, Foy 2001; Rice 1984) – none	l	m
6. Tolerates herb pressure?	Eaten by mountain baboons (Byrne et al. 1993) – consumed but not preferred	mh	ml
7. Normal growth rate?	“Extensive patches out-compete native species” (Auckland Regional Council 2007) – rapid growth rate that will exceed most other species of the same life form	h	m
8. Stress tolerance to frost, drought, w/logg, sal. etc?	Drought tolerant (Diggers Club 2008). Listed as a “species with moderate to excellent salt tolerance” that “thrive in exposed areas near the shoreline, some right up to the dunes” (Llamas 2003). Occur in wetlands, estuaries, and coastal grassland after being burnt (TEM 2007) – highly resistant of fire, waterlogging, salinity and drought.	h	m
Reproduction
9. Reproductive system	Rhizomes (Kumar et al. 1985), corms (Larsen et al. 1987), seeds (Csurhes, Edwards 1998) - Both vegetative AND sexual reproduction.	h	mh
10. Number of propagules produced?	“Numerous small seeds dispersed by water” (Csurhes, Edwards 1998) – above 2000	h	m
11. Propagule longevity?	Unknown	m	l
12. Reproductive period?	“Forms dense, long-lived stands” (Weedbusters 2009) - Mature plant produces viable propagules for 10 years or more, OR species forms self-sustaining monocultures.	h	ml
13. Time to reproductive maturity?	Unknown	m	l
Dispersal
14. Number of mechanisms?	“Numerous small seeds dispersed by water” (Csurhes, Edwards 1998). “Seeds prolifically, dispersed by wind or gravity” (Auckland Regional Council 2007)	h	m
15. How far do they disperse?	“Numerous small seeds dispersed by water” (Csurhes, Edwards 1998). “Seeds prolifically, dispersed by wind or gravity” (Auckland Regional Council 2007) – very likely that at least one propagule will disperse greater than one kilometre.	h	m

References

Auckland Regional Council (2007) Plants and animals; pest plant. Available at http://www.arc.govt.nz/environment/plants-and-animals/search-for-plants/index.cfm?63E0F20E-14C2-3D2D-B905-50098EBBE4B9&plantcode=Arieck (verified 4 March 2009).

Auckland Regional Council (2002) Auckland regional pest management strategy 2002-2007. Available at http://www.arc.govt.nz/albany/fms/main/Documents/Environment/Plants%20and%20animals/pest%20management%20strategy.pdf (verified 4 March 2009).

Byrne RW, Whiten A, Henzi SP, McCulloh (1993) Nutritional constraints on mountain baboons (Papio ursinus): implications for baboon sociology. Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 33, 233-246.

Csurhes S (2008) Pest plant risk assessment – Blue stars, Aristea ecklonii. Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane, Queensland. Available at
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/documents/Biosecurity_EnvironmentalPests/IPA-Blue-Stars-Risk-Assessment.pdf (verified 25 March 2009).

Csurhes S, Edwards R (1998) National weeds program. Potential environmental weeds in Australia. Candidate species for preventative control. Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Land Protection. Available at http://www.weeds.gov.au/publications/books/pubs/potential.pdf (verified 4 March 2009).

Costello LR, Jones KS (1994) WUCOLS; Water use classification of landscape species. A guide to the water needs of landscape plants. University of California. Available at http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/filelibrary/1726/15359.pdf (verified 4 March 2009).

Digger’s Club (2008) Aristea ecklonii. Available at https://secure.diggersgardenclub.com.au/pc-2346-64-aristea-ecklonii.aspx (verified 18 March 2009).

Goldblatt P, Le Thomas A (1997) Palynology, phylogenetic reconstruction, and classification of the afro-Madagascan genus Aristea (Iridaceae). Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 84, 263-284.

Kumar V, Meepagala KM, Balasubramaniam S (1985) Quionoid and other constituents of Aristea ecklonii. Phytochemistry 24(5), 1118-1119.

Larsen PO, Sundahl M, Sorensen FT, Wieczorkowska E, Goldblatt P (1987) Relationship between subfamilies, tribes and genera in Iridaceae inferred from chemical characters. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 15(5), 575-579.

Llamas KA (2003) Tropical flowering plants: a guide to identification and cultivation. Timber Press.

Pemadasa MA (1981) The mineral nutrition of the vegetation of a montane grassland in Sri Lanka. Journal of Ecology 69, 125-134.

Pretorius JC, Zietsman PC, Eksteen D (2002) Fungitoxic properties of selected South African plant species against plant pathogens of economic importance in agriculture. Annals of Applied Biology 141, 117-124.

Qasem JR, Foy CL (2001) Weed Allelopathy, its ecological impacts and future prospects; a review. In: Kohli RK, Singh HP, Batish DR (edts) Allelopathy in Agroecosystems.
Hawthorn Press.

Randall R (2007) Global compendium of weeds – Aristea ecklonii. Available at http://www.hear.org/gcw/species/aristea%5Fecklonii/ (verified 25 March 2009).

Rathnayake RMW, Jayasekera LR (1998) Threatened endemic vegetation in the upper montane rain forest in Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve. The Sri Lanka Forester XXXIII (1&2), 17-21.

Rice EL (1984) Allelopathy, second edition. Academic Press, Orlando, Florida.

Richardson FJ, Richardson RG, Shepherd RCH (2006) Weeds of the South-East; An identification guide for Australia. R.G. and F.J. Richardson, Meredith, Victoria.

Spencer R (2005) Horticultural flora of south-eastern Australia. Volume 5. The identification of Garden and Cultivated Plants. Flowering plants; Monocotyledons. Royal Botanic
Gardens, Melbourne.

Transworld Energy and Mineral Resources (TEM) (2007) Xolobeni heavy mineral sands project; Environmental scoping report in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources
Development Act (Act No. 28 of 2002). Available at http://72.14.235.132/search?q=cache:Is9RRzI_69kJ:www.mrcres.co.za/downloads/Final%2520Scoping%2520Report%2520Xolobeni%2520for%2520Distribution%252025%252005%25202007.doc+%22Aristea+ecklonii%22+agricultural+weed&cd=38&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=au (verified 25 March 2009).

Weedbusters (2009) Detailed information sheet – Aristea ecklonii. Available at http://weedbusters.co.nz/weed_info/detail.asp?WeedID=37 (verified 25 March 2009).

Global present distribution data references

Australian National Herbarium (ANH) (2009) Australia’s Virtual Herbarium, Australian National Herbarium, Centre for Plant Diversity and Research, Available at
http://www.anbg.gov.au/avh/ (verified 11 March 2009).

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) (2006) Flora information system [CD-ROM], Biodiversity and Natural Resources Section, Viridans Pty Ltd, Bentleigh.

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (2009) Global biodiversity information facility, Available at http://www.gbif.org/ (verified 11 March 2009).

Missouri Botanical Gardens (MBG) (2009) w³TROPICOS, Missouri Botanical Gardens Database, Available at http://www.tropicos.org/NameSpecimens.aspx?nameid=16600929 (verified 1 April 2009).

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