Chincherinchee (Ornithogalum thyrsoides)

Present distribution

Scientific name:	Ornithogalum thyrsoides Jacq.
Common name(s):	chincherinchee

Map showing the present distribution of this weed.

Habitat:

Prefers an open sunny position (Bodkin 1990). Can tolerate many conditions from woodland to dry sunny bed (PLPR 2009). Disturbed sites (Florabase 2009). Crops, bushland (Richardson et al. 2006). Tolerates waterlogging (Moore 2002). Adaptable to most soils drought and frost tender (Bodkin 1990). Survives drought through dormancy (PLZAF 2009). Stream banks, occurs in crops (Moore 2002).

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:
Broadacre cropping; forestry; pasture dryland; pasture irrigation

Ecological Vegetation Divisions
Freshwater wetland (permanent); treed swampy wetland; lowland forest; damp forest; riparian; wet forest; rocky outcrop shrubland; riverine woodland/forest; freshwater wetland (ephemeral); chenopod mallee; hummock-grass mallee; lowan mallee

Colours indicate possibility of Ornithogalum thyrsoides 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?	To 0.6m high (Bodkin 1990). Local infestation has moved 15km down river over a period of several decades (Moore 2002). Dense stands up to 25ha (Moore 2002). Likely to make access to water bodies difficult. High nuisance value. People and/or vehicles access with difficulty.	MH	MH
2. Reduce tourism?	Local infestation has moved 15km down river over a period of several decades (Moore 2002). Dense stands up to 25ha (Moore 2002). Toxic, causes skin irritations (PLZAF 2009). Some recreational uses affected.	MH	MH
3. Injurious to people?	Toxic when ingested and above ground parts cause skin irritation (PLZAF 2009). Spines, burrs or toxic properties at most times of the year, or may be a major component in allergies, hayfever and/or asthma.	MH	MH
4. Damage to cultural sites?	To 0.6m high (Bodkin 1990). Local infestation has moved 15km down river over a period of several decades (Moore 2002). Dense stands up to 25ha (Moore 2002). Moderate visual effect.	ML	MH
Abiotic
5. Impact flow?	Local infestation has moved 15km down river over a period of several decades (Moore 2002). Leaves die back annually could block smaller streams. Minor impact on surface or subsurface flow either by roots or free floating aquatics.	ML	MH
6. Impact water quality?	Local infestation has moved 15km down river over a period of several decades (Moore 2002). To 0.6m high (Bodkin 1990). Dense stands up to 25ha (Moore 2002). May have minor effect on light levels. Noticeable but minor effects in either dissolved 0₂or light levels.	ML	MH
7. Increase soil erosion?	No information.	M	L
8. Reduce biomass?	To 0.6m high (Bodkin 1990). Dense stands up to 25ha (Moore 2002). Biomass likely to be replaced. Direct replacement of biomass by invader.	ML	MH
9. Change fire regime?	5-7 (PLZAF 2009), Succulent (Lazarides et al. 1997) leaves, die back annually (Moore 2002). 15 by 0.5-1.5 cm (PLZAF 2009). Can form dense stands up to 25ha (Moore 2002). Flowering appears to be stimulated by fire (PLZAF 2009). As leaves die back annually and dry out they would provide fuel for fire. Minor change to either frequency or intensity of fire risk.	ML	MH
Community Habitat
10. Impact on composition (a) high value EVC	EVC = Plains Woodland (E); CMA =Northern Central; Bioregion =Victorian Riverina; VH CLIMATE potential. Has invaded significant areas in the Tambellup area of Western Australia (Moore 2002). Dense stands up to 25ha (Moore 2002). Highly invasive (GaNote 2009). Major displacement of some dominant spp. within a strat.lyaer (or some dominant spp. within different layers).	MH	MH
(b) medium value EVC	EVC = Damp heathland (D); CMA = Glenelg Hopkins; Bioregion =Glenelg Plain; VH CLIMATE potential. Has invaded significant areas in the Tambellup area of Western Australia (Moore 2002). Dense stands up to 25ha (Moore 2002). Highly invasive (GaNote 2009). Major displacement of some dominant spp. within a strat.lyaer (or some dominant spp. within different layers).	MH	MH
(c) low value EVC	EVC = Herb-rich (LC); CMA =Goulburn Broken; Bioregion = Highlands- Northern Fall VH CLIMATE potential. Has invaded significant areas in the Tambellup area of Western Australia (Moore 2002). Dense stands up to 25ha (Moore 2002). Highly invasive (GaNote 2009). Major displacement of some dominant spp. within a strat.lyaer (or some dominant spp. within different layers).	MH	MH
11. Impact on structure?	Has invaded significant areas in the Tambellup area of Western Australia (Moore 2002). Dense stands up to 25ha (Moore 2002). Highly invasive (GaNote 2009). Minor effect on >60% of the layers or major effect on < 60% of the floral strata.	MH	MH
12. Effect on threatened flora?	Has invaded significant areas in the Tambellup area of Western Australia (Moore 2002). Occasionally escape gardens into bushland (Richardson et al 2006). No information for threatened flora.	M	M
Fauna
13. Effect on threatened fauna?	“O. thyroides (Jacq), of South Africa, is a fatal stock poison” (Grieve 1994). Above ground parts cause skin irritation (PLZAF 2009). No information for threatened fauna.	M	M
14. Effect on non-threatened fauna?	“O. thyroides (Jacq), of South Africa, is a fatal stock poison” (Grieve 1994). Above ground parts cause skin irritation (PLZAF 2009). No information for threatened fauna. Reduction in habitat for fauna spp., leading to reduction in numbers of individuals, but not to local extinction.	MH	MH
15. Benefits fauna?	“O. thyroides (Jacq), of South Africa, is a fatal stock poison” (Grieve 1994). Fatal stock poison (Grieve 1994). Provides very little support to desirable species.	H	MH
16. Injurious to fauna?	“O. thyroides (Jacq), of South Africa, is a fatal stock poison” (Grieve 1994). Noxious weed in SA (Lazarides et al. 1997). Above ground parts cause skin irritation (PLZAF 2009). Large spines or burrs dangerous to fauna. Toxic, and/or causes allergies.	H	H
Pest Animal
17. Food source to pests?	“O. thyroides (Jacq), of South Africa, is a fatal stock poison” (Grieve 1994). Not listed as food source to pests – generally pest free, aside from fungal disease – grey mould (Hanks 1997). Supplies food for one or more minor pest spp.(eg. blackbirds or environmental insect pests).	ML	MH
18. Provides harbour?	“O. thyroides (Jacq), of South Africa, is a fatal stock poison” (Grieve 1994). To 0.6m high (Bodkin 1990). Dense stands up to 25ha (Moore 2002). Above ground parts cause skin irritation (PLZAF 2009). Not reported to harbour animals/ pests and is unlikely due to its toxic/ irritant properties. Doesn’t provide harbour for serious pest spp, but may provide for minor pest spp.	ML	MH
Agriculture
19. Impact yield?	“O. thyroides (Jacq), of South Africa, is a fatal stock poison” (Grieve 1994). Occasionally invades crops (Richardson et al 2006). Causes mortality in stock, some stock yield reduction losses possible. Minor impact on quantity of produce (eg < 5% reduction).	ML	MH
20. Impact quality?	“O. thyroides (Jacq), of South Africa, is a fatal stock poison” (Grieve 1994).	M	MH
21. Affect land value?	“O. thyroides (Jacq), of South Africa, is a fatal stock poison” (Grieve 1994). Not enough information.	M	L
22. Change land use?	“O. thyroides (Jacq), of South Africa, is a fatal stock poison” (Grieve 1994). Land use change/ change crop recommended as a control method when this species occurs in crops (Moore 2002). Some change, but no serious alteration of either agricultural return. Affects more the visual rather than intrinsic agricultural value.	ML	MH
23. Increase harvest costs?	“O. thyroides (Jacq), of South Africa, is a fatal stock poison” (Grieve 1994). Tolerant to wide range of herbicides (Moore 2002). Control in pasture and/or crops would be necessary and would increase costs. Minor increase in cost of harvesting – eg slightly more time or labour is required.	M	MH
24. Disease host/vector?	Ornithogalum Mosaic Virus (More 2002). Fungal disease – grey mould (Hanks 1997). Provides host to minor (or common) pests, or diseases.	ML	MH

Invasive

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Establishment
1. Germination requirements?	Germinate from spring to autumn (Moore 2002). Requires natural seasonal disturbances such as seasonal rainfall, spring/summer temperatures for germination.	MH	MH
2. Establishment requirements?	Adequate soil potassium is important for early growth (Moore 2002). Prefers an open sunny position (Bodkin 1990). Can tolerate many conditions from woodland to a dry sunny bed (PLPR 2009). Requires more specific requirements to establish (eg. open space or bare ground with access to light and direct rainfall).	ML	MH
3. How much disturbance is required?	Disturbed sites (Florabase 2009). Crops, Bushland (Richardson et al. 2006). Establishes in relatively intact or only minor disturbed natural ecosystems (eg. wetlands, riparian, riverine, grasslands, open woodlands); in vigorously growing crops or in well-established pastures.	MH	MH
Growth/Competitive
4. Life form?	Perennial herb, Geophyte (Florabase 2009).	ML	MH
5. Allelopathic properties?	No allelopathic properties described.	M	L
6. Tolerates herb pressure?	Poisonous to stock; noxious weed in SA (Lazarides et al. 1997). Eaten but non preferred, recovers and caused sheep fatalities in WA (Moore 2002). Consumed but non-preferred or consumed but recovers quickly; capable of flowering /seed production under moderate herbivory pressure (where moderate = normal; not overstocking or heavy grazing).	MH	MH
7. Normal growth rate?	Grows up to 0.6m (Bodkin 1990). Has a dormant stage, leaves die off annually in summer (Moore 2002). Therefore growth rate is likely to be similar to an annual of similar height. Moderately rapid growth that will equal competitive species of the same life form.	MH	MH
8. Stress tolerance to frost, drought, w/logg, sal. etc?	Tolerates waterlogging (Moore 2002). Adaptable to most soils, drought and frost tender (Bodkin 1990). Survives drought through dormancy (PLZAF 2009). Tolerant to at least two and susceptible to at least one.	ML	MH
Reproduction
9. Reproductive system	Propagation is by seed and division (Bodkin 1990), vegetative division (Moore 2002). Both vegetative and sexual reproduction (vegetative reproduction may be via cultivation, but not propagation).	H	H
10. Number of propagules produced?	500 seeds per plant (Moore 2002). Normally produces one or occasionally two bulbs in the field (Moore 2002). 50-1000.	ML	MH
11. Propagule longevity?	No information.	M	L
12. Reproductive period?	Perennial herb (Florabase 2009). Forms self sustaining monoculture (Moore 2002). Mature plant produces viable propagules for 10 years or more, or species forms self-sustaining monocultures.	H	MH
13. Time to reproductive maturity?	Greater than 2 years until flowering (Moore 2002). Produces bulb in one year, normally produces one or occasionally two bulbs in the field (Moore 2002). Produces propagules between 1-2 years after germination, or vegetative propagules become separate individuals between 1-2 years.	MH	MH
Dispersal
14. Number of mechanisms?	Wind, water, gravity, vehicles, intentional planting, grown commercially for flower production or for pot plants (Moore 2002). Propagules spread by wind, water, attachment (humans, animals, or vehicles), or accidental human dispersal (ploughing).	MH	MH
15. How far do they disperse?	Local infestation has moved 15km down river over a period of several decades (Moore 2002). Very likely that at least one propagule will disperse greater one kilometre.	H	MH

References

Bodkin, F. (1990) Encyclopaedia Botanica. Angus & Robertson.

Burnie, G. Greig, D. Forrester, S. (1998) Botanica: the illustrated A-Z of over 10, 000 garden plants and how to cultivate them. Random house Australia.

Florabase (2009) FLorabase. Available at http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/1373 (verified 04/2009).

GAAU (2009) Gardening Australia. Available at http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s1866762.htm (verified 04/2009).

Grieve, M. (1994). A modern Herbal. A Cresset Press Book.

Hanks, M. (1997). Better Homes and Gardens. A growers guide to Bulbs. Murdoch books.

Lazarides, M., Cowley, K. Hohnen, P. (1997). CSIRO Handbook of Australian Weeds. CSIRO Australia.

Moore, J. H. (2002) The biology and control of chincherinchee (Ornithogalum thyrsoides Jacq.). 3th Australian Weeds Conference: weeds "threats now and forever?", Sheraton Perth Hotel, Perth, Western Australia, 8-13 September 2002: papers and proceedings.

Richardson, F. J., Richardson, R. G. Shepherd, R. C. H. (2006) Weeds of the South-East. An identification guide for Australia. R.G. & F.J. Richardson.
(GaNote 2009) Garden note. Available at http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/content/pw/weed/gn2004_016.pdf (verified 04/2009).

PLPR (2009). Plant press. Available at http://www.plantpress.com/plant-encyclopedia/plantdb.php?plant=5322 (verified 04/2009).

PLZAF (2009) Plantz Africa. Available at http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/ornithogthyr.htm (verified 04/2009).

Global present distribution data references

Australian National Herbarium (ANH) (2008) Australia’s Virtual Herbarium, Australian National Herbarium, Centre for Plant Diversity and Research, Available at
http://www.anbg.gov.au/avh/ (verified 17/02/2009).

Department of the Environment and Heritage (Commonwealth of Australia). (1993 – On-going) Australian Plant Name Index (APNI) http://www.cpbr.gov.au/apni/index.html (verified 07/05/2009).

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (2008) Global biodiversity information facility, Available at http://www.gbif.org/ (verified 17/02/2009).

Integrated Taxonomic Information System. (2009) Available at http://www.itis.gov/ (verified 07/05/2009).

Missouri Botanical Gardens (MBG) (2009) w³TROPICOS, Missouri Botanical Gardens Database, Available at http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/vast.html (viewed 17/02/2009).

United States Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Research Service, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database]. Taxonomy Query. (2009) Available at http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxgenform.pl (verified 26/03/2009).

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