Painted lady (Gladiolus carneus)

Present distribution

Scientific name:	Gladiolus carneus D. Delaroche
Common name(s):	painted lady

Map showing the present distribution of this weed.

Habitat:

“Found on roadsides and around old settlements” (Hussey et al 1997). Altitude 10-1220 m (African plants database 2008). “Brown gravely loam, Jarrah-marri woodland… Amongst tall trees, grassland (herbfields); in gravely soil, loam; growing in undisturbed natural vegetation, on bare areas” (DECWA 2007). “Wide distribution in the winter rainfall area of southern Africa and is found in a variety of habitats” (Pacific bulb Society 2009). “Sea level to mountains” (Hitchmough 1989). Soil pH: 6.1-7.5 (Dave’s garden 2000-2009). “Sandstone slopes, often wet sites” (Fernkloof Nature Reserve 2009). “Drought tolerant” (Annie’s annuals and perennials date unknown).

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:
Horticulture perennial; horticulture seasonal; pasture dryland; pasture irrigation

Ecological Vegetation Divisions
Coastal; heathland; grassy/heathy dry forest; lowland forest; foothills forest; forby forest; damp forest; wet forest; rainforest; high altitude shrubland/woodland; granitic hillslopes; rocky outcrop shrubland; alluvial plains woodland; ironbark/box

Colours indicate possibility of Gladiolus carneus 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?	Herb 35-80 cm high (James & Brown 1999-2009). “Perennial herbs with annual leaves… Grows to about 80 cm” (Richardson et al 2006). “Gladiolus carneus [which is] extremely vigorous and, in full sun, soon multiplying into embarrassingly thick clumps” (Hitchmough 1989). “They are perennial herbs with annual leaves” (Richardson et al 2006). High nuisance value. People and vehicles access with difficulty.	MH	ML
2. Reduce tourism?	“Cultivated (as an ornamental plant)” (DECWA 2007). Herb 35-80 cm high (James & Brown 1999-2009). “Perennial herbs with annual leaves… Grows to about 80 cm” (Richardson et al 2006). “Gladiolus carneus [which is] extremely vigorous and, in full sun, soon multiplying into embarrassingly thick clumps” (Hitchmough 1989). “They are perennial herbs with annual leaves” (Richardson et al 2006). As numerous people would know this plant for its ornamental characteristics, this plant would be most obvious to visitors, with visitor complaints and a major reduction in visitors being a possible response. Could also be a major impact on recreation.	H	ML
3. Injurious to people?	“Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested” (Dave’s garden 2000-2009). “The author has seen a market gardener’s horse which recovered from acute colic and diarrhoea, the result of eating the corms of gladioli” (Forsyth 1968). Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Clinical signs are salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhoea. Highest concentration in corms (ASPCA 2009). Large spines or burrs, extremely toxic, and cause serious allergies to humans throughout year.	H	ML
4. Damage to cultural sites?	“Found on roadsides and around old settlements” (Hussey et al 1997). “In genera such as Gladiolus the parent corm lives for several years, but, rather than producing a few large corms, buds off dozens of tiny, new cormlets thereby allowing for very rapid vegetative multiplication” (Hitchmough 1989). May cause moderate structural effect from corm growth.	MH	L
Abiotic
5. Impact flow?	“Found on roadsides and around old settlements” (Hussey et al 1997). “Brown gravely loam, Jarrah-marri woodland… Amongst tall trees, grassland (herbfields); in gravely soil, loam; growing in undisturbed natural vegetation, on bare areas” (DECWA). Average water needs, water regularly; do not overwater. (Dave’s garden 2000-2009). Not known to be aquatic.	L	M
6. Impact water quality?	“Brown gravely loam, Jarrah-marri woodland… Amongst tall trees, grassland (herbfields); in gravely soil, loam; growing in undisturbed natural vegetation, on bare areas” (DECWA). Average water needs, water regularly; do not overwater. (Dave’s garden 2000-2009). Not known to be aquatic.	L	M
7. Increase soil erosion?	“Tall bulbs which have particularly voluminous or rank foliage must be used with caution as they will often be too successful and shade out adjacent evergreen perennials and very small shrubs. This occurs with some forms of the beautiful and highly vigorous Gladiolus carneus… Extremely vigorous and, in full sun, soon multiplying into embarrassingly thick clumps” (Hitchmough 1989). “They are perennial herbs with annual leaves” (Richardson et al 2006). May result in erosion during months after die down but low probability of large scale soil movement.	L	L
8. Reduce biomass?	“Tall bulbs which have particularly voluminous or rank foliage must be used with caution as they will often be too successful and shade out adjacent evergreen perennials and very small shrubs. This occurs with some forms of the beautiful and highly vigorous Gladiolus carneus… Extremely vigorous and, in full sun, soon multiplying into embarrassingly thick clumps” (Hitchmough 1989). Direct replacement of biomass by invader as this indicates that it will only replace vegetation of roughly the same size or smaller.	ML	ML
9. Change fire regime?	“Tall bulbs which have particularly voluminous or rank foliage must be used with caution as they will often be too successful and shade out adjacent evergreen perennials and very small shrubs. This occurs with some forms of the beautiful and highly vigorous Gladiolus carneus… Extremely vigorous and, in full sun, soon multiplying into embarrassingly thick clumps” (Hitchmough 1989). Small or negligible effect on fire risk as this indicates that it will only replace vegetation of roughly the same size or smaller.	L	ML
Community Habitat
10. Impact on composition (a) high value EVC	EVC = Heathy Dry Forest (V); CMA = Glenelg Hopkins; Bioregion = Greater Grampians; VH CLIMATE potential. “Tall bulbs which have particularly voluminous or rank foliage must be used with caution as they will often be too successful and shade out adjacent evergreen perennials and very small shrubs. This occurs with some forms of the beautiful and highly vigorous Gladiolus carneus… Extremely vigorous and, in full sun, soon multiplying into embarrassingly thick clumps” (Hitchmough 1989) Monoculture within a specific layer; displaces all spp. within a strata/layer.	H	H
(b) medium value EVC	EVC = Box Ironbark Forest (D); CMA = North Central; Bioregion = Goldfields; VH CLIMATE potential. “Tall bulbs which have particularly voluminous or rank foliage must be used with caution as they will often be too successful and shade out adjacent evergreen perennials and very small shrubs. This occurs with some forms of the beautiful and highly vigorous Gladiolus carneus… Extremely vigorous and, in full sun, soon multiplying into embarrassingly thick clumps” (Hitchmough 1989) Monoculture within a specific layer; displaces all spp. within a strata/layer.	H	H
(c) low value EVC	EVC = Damp forest (LC); CMA = Port Phillip and Western Port; Bioregion = Central Victorian Uplands; VH CLIMATE potential. “Tall bulbs which have particularly voluminous or rank foliage must be used with caution as they will often be too successful and shade out adjacent evergreen perennials and very small shrubs. This occurs with some forms of the beautiful and highly vigorous Gladiolus carneus… Extremely vigorous and, in full sun, soon multiplying into embarrassingly thick clumps” (Hitchmough 1989) Major displacement of some dominant spp. within a strata/layer (or some dominant spp. within different layers).	H	H
11. Impact on structure?	“Tall bulbs which have particularly voluminous or rank foliage must be used with caution as they will often be too successful and shade out adjacent evergreen perennials and very small shrubs. This occurs with some forms of the beautiful and highly vigorous Gladiolus carneus… Extremely vigorous and, in full sun, soon multiplying into embarrassingly thick clumps” (Hitchmough 1989). Minor effect on >60% of the layers or major effect on < 60% of the floral strata.	MH	ML
12. Effect on threatened flora?	No references to threatened flora found.	MH	L
Fauna
13. Effect on threatened fauna?	No reference to threatened fauna found.	MH	L
14. Effect on non-threatened fauna?	No reference to fauna found.	M	L
15. Benefits fauna?	Herb 35-80 cm high (James & Brown 1999-2009). “Perennial herbs with annual leaves… Grows to about 80 cm” (Richardson et al 2006). “Tall bulbs which have particularly voluminous or rank foliage must be used with caution as they will often be too successful and shade out adjacent evergreen perennials and very small shrubs. This occurs with some forms of the beautiful and highly vigorous Gladiolus carneus… Extremely vigorous and, in full sun, soon multiplying into embarrassingly thick clumps” (Hitchmough 1989). “They are perennial herbs with annual leaves” (Richardson et al 2006). Provides some assistance in shelter to desirable species.	MH	L
16. Injurious to fauna?	“Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested” (Dave’s garden 2000-2009). “The author has seen a market gardener’s horse which recovered from acute colic and diarrhoea, the result of eating the corms of gladioli” (Forsyth 1968). Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Clinical signs are salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhoea. Highest concentration in corms (ASPCA 2009). Large spines or burrs dangerous to fauna. Toxic, and/or causes allergies.	H	M
Pest Animal
17. Food source to pests?	“Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested” (Dave’s garden 2000-2009). “The author has seen a market gardener’s horse which recovered from acute colic and diarrhoea, the result of eating the corms of gladioli” (Forsyth 1968). Toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Clinical signs are salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhoea. Highest concentration in corms (ASPCA 2009). Unlikely to provide food source as corms and possibly foliage are toxic.	L	L
18. Provides harbour?	Herb 35-80 cm high (James & Brown 1999-2009). “Perennial herbs with annual leaves… Grows to about 80 cm” (Richardson et al 2006). “Extremely vigorous and, in full sun, soon multiplying into embarrassingly thick clumps” (Hitchmough 1989). “They are perennial herbs with annual leaves” (Richardson et al 2006). Thick clumps may harbour rabbits or foxes at low densities or as overnight cover.	MH	ML
Agriculture
19. Impact yield?	No information found.	M	L
20. Impact quality?	No information found.	M	L
21. Affect land value?	No information found.	M	L
22. Change land use?	No information found.	M	L
23. Increase harvest costs?	No information found.	M	L
24. Disease host/vector?	“Scab, Fusarium rot and Yellows, Penicillium storage rot, Leaf spots and Blights, Stromatinia corm dry rot, virus and phytoplasma disease are the common gladioli disease” Also affected by gladioli thrips (theflowerexpert.com). Unknown what impact these diseases have.	M	L

Invasive

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Establishment
1. Germination requirements?	“If the soil is kept fairly moist, the seeds should sprout in a few weeks” (theflowerexpert.com). Opportunistic germinator, can germinate or strike/ set root at any time whenever water is available.	H	ML
2. Establishment requirements?	Amongst tall trees, grassland (herbfields); in gravely soil, loam; growing in undisturbed natural vegetation, on bare areas” (DECWA 2007). Full sun, average water needs, water regularly; do not overwater. Soil pH: 6.1-7.5 (Dave’s garden 2000-2009). Requires more specific requirements to establish (eg. open space or bare ground with access to light and direct rainfall).	ML	M
3. How much disturbance is required?	“Brown gravely loam, Jarrah-marri woodland… Amongst tall trees, grassland (herbfields); in gravely soil, loam; growing in undisturbed natural vegetation, on bare areas” (DECWA 2007). Establishes in healthy and undisturbed natural ecosystems (eg. mallee, alpine, heathland).	H	M
Growth/Competitive
4. Life form?	Geophyte (African plants database 2008). Cormous (DECWA 2007).	M	M
5. Allelopathic properties?	No allelopathic properties mentioned. (DECWA 2007; African plants database 2008; Hitchmough 1989; ASPCA 2009; Hussey et al 1997).	L	L
6. Tolerates herb pressure?	No information found.	M	L
7. Normal growth rate?	“Tall bulbs which have particularly voluminous or rank foliage must be used with caution as they will often be too successful and shade out adjacent evergreen perennials and very small shrubs. This occurs with some forms of the beautiful and highly vigorous Gladiolus carneus… Extremely vigorous and, in full sun, soon multiplying into embarrassingly thick clumps” (Hitchmough 1989). 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?	Full sun, average water needs, water regularly; do not overwater (Dave’s garden 2000-2009). Drought tolerant (Annie’s annuals & perennials no date). Altitude 10-1220 m (African plants database 2008). Tolerant to drought, possibly some tolerance to frost, but not tolerant to waterlogging. Unknown to fire and salt.	ML	ML
Reproduction
9. Reproductive system	“Seeds set very easily and also increases by cormlets” (Pacific bulb Society 2009). “In genera such as Gladiolus the parent corm lives for several years, but, rather than producing a few large corms, buds off dozens of tiny, new cormlets thereby allowing for very rapid vegetative multiplication” (Hitchmough 1989). Both vegetative and sexual reproduction (vegetative reproduction may be via cultivation, but not propagation).	H	M
10. Number of propagules produced?	“Seeds set very easily and also increases by cormlets” (Pacific bulb Society 2009). “In genera such as Gladiolus the parent corm lives for several years, but, rather than producing a few large corms, buds off dozens of tiny, new cormlets thereby allowing for very rapid vegetative multiplication” (Hitchmough 1989). Number of propagules produced unknown.	M	L
11. Propagule longevity?	Propagule longevity unknown.	M	L
12. Reproductive period?	“In genera such as Gladiolus the parent corm lives for several years” (Hitchmough 1989). Possibly produces viable propagules for 3–10 years.	MH	ML
13. Time to reproductive maturity?	Unknown.	M	L
Dispersal
14. Number of mechanisms?	“Cultivated (as an ornamental plant)” (DECWA 2007). (Dave’s garden 2000-2009; Annie’s annuals & perennials no date). Deliberate human dispersal (propagation or planting).	ML	M
15. How far do they disperse?	“Cultivated (as an ornamental plant)” (DECWA 2007). As this plant is used in gardening, it is likely for people to transport it greater than one kilometre. Very likely that at least one propagule will disperse greater one kilometre.	H	M

References

African Plants Database. (2008) Available at: http://www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa/details.php?langue=an&id=21182 (verified 23/03/09).

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) (date unknown) Gladiola. Available at: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/gladiola.html (verified 24/03/09).

Annie’s Annuals & Perennials (date unknown) Gladiolus carneus. Available at: http://www.anniesannuals.com/plants/plant_display.asp?prodid=2239 (verified 24/03/09).

Dave’s Garden (date unknown) Plant files: Bergpypies, Painted Lady. Available at: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/138844 (verified 23/03/09).

Department of Environment and Conservation (WA) (DECWA) (2007) FloraBase - The Western Australian Flora. Available at: http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/18298 (verified 23/03/09).

Fernkloof Nature Reserve (2009). Gladiolus carneus. Available at: http://fernkloof.com/species.mv?581 (verified 24/03/09).

Forsyth AA. (1968) British Poisonous Plants. Her Majesty’s Stationary Office. London.

Hitchmough J. (1992) Garden Bulbs: A Seasonal Planting and Flowering Guide for All Australian Regions. Viking O’Neil, Ringwood.

Hussey BMJ, Keighery GJ, Cousens RD, Dodd J and Lloyd SG. (1997) Western Weeds. A Guide to the Weeds of Western Australia. The Plant Protection Society of Western Australia Inc. Victoria Park.

James T.A. and Brown E.A (1999-2009) Plantnet: Gladiolus carneus. Available at: http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgibin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Gladiolus~carneus (verified 23/03/09).

Richardson FJ, Richardson RG and Shepherd RCH. (2006) Weeds of the South-east. An Identification Guide for Australia. RG & FJ Richardson. Meredith.

Pacific Bulb Society (2009) Main: Southern African Gladiolus Two. Available at: http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/SouthernAfricanGladiolusTwo (verified 23/03/09).

The Flower Expert (date unknown) Gladiolus. Available at: http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/mostpopularflowers/morepopularflowers/gladiolus (verified 24/03/09).

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 10 November 2008).

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (2008) Global biodiversity information facility, Available at http://www.gbif.org/ (verified 31/03/2009).

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