Scarlet firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea)

Present distribution

Scientific name:	Pyracantha coccinea M. Roem.
Common name(s):	scarlet firethorn

This weed is not known to be naturalised in Victoria

Habitat:

Present in woodlands, shady edges. Succeeds in sun or part-shade Prefers a well-drained moisture retentive loamy soil (PFAF undated). Intolerant of shade. Low salinity tolerance (USDA 2009). ‘Ability to withstand dry and droughty conditions (Floridata 2008). ‘Likes moderate watering, full sun,
any soil…’ (Morrow 1995). ‘Lacks solid cold hardiness’ (Brand 2001). ‘Very urban tolerant and adaptable to poor soils, compacted soils, various pH,
heat and drought’ (Ohio State undated).

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; horticulture perennial; horticulture seasonal; pasture dryland; pasture irrigation

Ecological Vegetation Divisions
Heathland (sands) Grassy/heathy dry forest; lowland forest; foothills forest; Wet Forest; forby forest; granitic hillslopes; rocky outcrop shrubland; alluvial plains woodland; ironbark/box.

Colours indicate possibility of Pyracantha coccinea infesting these areas.

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

map of the present distribution of plectranthus ciliatus

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

Impact

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Social
1. Restrict human access?	‘Firethorn is a large evergreen shrub…it typically grows into a tangled mound up to 10 feet…It is armed with sharp thorns that hide among the dark glossy green leaves (Floridata 2008). Thorny perennial (de Villalobos et al. 2008). High nuisance value. People and vehicles access with difficulty.	MH	M
2. Reduce tourism?	Firethorn is a large evergreen shrub…it typically grows into a tangled mound up to 10 feet…It is armed with sharp thorns that hide among the dark glossy green leaves (Floridata 2008). Thorny perennial (de Villalobos et al. 2008). Some recreational uses may be affected.	MH	M
3. Injurious to people?	‘It is armed with sharp thorns that hide among the dark glossy green leaves (Texas Invasives 2008). Thorny perennial (de Villalobos et al. 2008). Minor toxicity, causing dermatitis (CalFlora 2008). Spines, burrs or toxic properties at most times of the year.	MH	MH
4. Damage to cultural sites?	‘Firethorn is a large evergreen shrub…it typically grows into a tangled mound up to 10 feet…It is armed with sharp thorns that hide among the dark glossy green leaves (Floridata 2008). Thorny perennial (de Villalobos et al. 2008). Moderate visual effect.	ML	M
Abiotic
5. Impact flow?	Present in woodlands, shady edges (PFAF undated). Intolerant of shade (USDA 2009). Pyracantha coccinea is not an aquatic weed, and does not commonly grow in riparian zones, therefore unlikely to impact water flows. Little or negligible impact on water flow.	L	ML
6. Impact water quality?	Intolerant of shade (USDA 2009). Pyracantha coccinea is not an aquatic weed, and does not commonly grow in riparian zones, therefore unlikely to impact water quality. No noticeable impacts to either dissolved O2 or light levels.	L	ML
7. Increase soil erosion?	Pyracantha coccinea has been planted for erosion control efforts in regions of Turkey (Gokturk et al. 2006). Moderate probability of large scale soil movement.	ML	ML
8. Reduce biomass?	‘Firethorn is a large evergreen shrub…it typically grows into a tangled mound up to 10 feet (Floridata 2008). Insufficient information.	M	L
9. Change fire regime?	‘Firethorn is a large evergreen shrub…it typically grows into a tangled mound up to 10 feet (Floridata 2008). Intolerant of fire (USDA 2009). Mass of plant may increase fuel for fires; Minor change to either frequency or intensity of fire risk.	ML	M
Community Habitat
10. Impact on composition (a) high value EVC	EVC = Ridged Plains Mallee (E); CMA =Mallee; Bioregion =Murray Mallee; VH CLIMATE potential. Present in woodlands, shady edges. Succeeds in sun or part-shade Prefers a well-drained moisture retentive loamy soil (PFAF undated).. Low salinity tolerance (USDA 2009). ‘Ability to withstand dry and droughty conditions (Floridata 2008). ‘Likes moderate watering, full sun, any soil…’ (Morrow 1995). ‘Lacks solid cold hardiness’ (Brand 2001). ‘Very urban tolerant and adaptable to poor soils, compacted soils, various pH, heat and drought’ (Ohio State undated). Firethorn is a large evergreen shrub…it typically grows into a tangled mound up to 10 feet (Texas Invasives 2008). Minor displacement of some dominant or indicator species within any one layer (e.g. ground cover, forbs, shrubs etc.).	ML	H
(b) medium value EVC	EVC = Grassy Dry Forest (D); CMA =Goulburn Broken; Bioregion =Central Victorian Uplands; VH CLIMATE potential. Present in woodlands, shady edges. Succeeds in sun or part-shade Prefers a well-drained moisture retentive loamy soil (PFAF undated). Low salinity tolerance (USDA 2009). ‘Ability to withstand dry and droughty conditions (Floridata 2008). ‘Likes moderate watering, full sun, any soil…’ (Morrow 1995). ‘Lacks solid cold hardiness’ (Brand 2001). ‘Very urban tolerant and adaptable to poor soils, compacted soils, various pH, heat and drought’ (Ohio State undated). Firethorn is a large evergreen shrub…it typically grows into a tangled mound up to 10 feet (Texas Invasives 2008). Minor displacement of some dominant or indicator species within any one layer (e.g. ground cover, forbs, shrubs etc.).	ML	H
(c) low value EVC	EVC = Shrubby Woodland (LC); CMA =Glenelg Hopkins; Bioregion =Greater Grampians; VH CLIMATE potential. Present in woodlands, shady edges. Succeeds in sun or part-shade Prefers a well-drained moisture retentive loamy soil (PFAF undated). Low salinity tolerance (USDA 2009). ‘Ability to withstand dry and droughty conditions (Floridata 2008). ‘Likes moderate watering, full sun, any soil…’ (Morrow 1995). ‘Lacks solid cold hardiness’ (Brand 2001). ‘Very urban tolerant and adaptable to poor soils, compacted soils, various pH, heat and drought’ (Ohio State undated). Firethorn is a large evergreen shrub…it typically grows into a tangled mound up to 10 feet (Texas Invasives 2008). Very little displacement of any indigenous species. Sparse and scattered infestations.	L	H
11. Impact on structure?	Firethorn is a large evergreen shrub…it typically grows into a tangled mound up to 10 feet (Texas Invasives 2008). Minor displacement of some dominant or indicator species within any one layer/strata.	ML	M
12. Effect on threatened flora?	Impacts to threatened flora have not been determined at present.	MH	L
Fauna
13. Effect on threatened fauna?	It is armed with sharp thorns that hide among the dark glossy green leaves (Floridata 2008). Stiff and thorny branches (Brand 2001). Impacts to threatened fauna have not yet been determined in Victoria.	MH	L
14. Effect on non-threatened fauna?	Firethorn is a large evergreen shrub…it typically grows into a tangled mound up to 10 feet (Texas Invasives 2008). It is armed with sharp thorns that hide among the dark glossy green leaves (Floridata 2008). Stiff and thorny branches (Brand 2001). Low palatability (USDA 2009). Minor effects on fauna species; minor hazard or reduction in food/habitat/shelter.	ML	M
15. Benefits fauna?	It is armed with sharp thorns that hide among the dark glossy green leaves (Floridata 2008). Stiff and thorny branches (Brand 2001). Low palatability (UDSA 2009). Provides very little assistance to desirable species.	H	M
16. Injurious to fauna?	‘It is armed with sharp thorns that hide among the dark glossy green leaves (Floridata 2008). Stiff and thorny branches (Brand 2001). Large spines or burrs dangerous to fauna.	H	M
Pest Animal
17. Food source to pests?	High fruit/seed abundance (USDA 2009). Likely to provide some food for pests. Supplies food for one or more minor pest species (e.g. blackbirds or insect pests.)	ML	M
18. Provides harbour?	Firethorn is a large evergreen shrub…it typically grows into a tangled mound up to 10 feet (Texas Invasives 2008). Maximum height 10-12 ft (Brand 2001). Doesn’t provide harbour for serious pest species, may provide harbour for minor pests.	ML	M
Agriculture
19. Impact yield?	Pyracantha coccinea establishes frequently in abandoned agricultural fields (de Villalobos et al. 2008). Insufficient.	M	L
20. Impact quality?	Pyracantha coccinea establishes frequently in abandoned agricultural fields (de Villalobos et al. 2008). Insufficient.	M	L
21. Affect land value?	Pyracantha coccinea establishes frequently in abandoned agricultural fields (de Villalobos et al. 2008). Insufficient.	M	L
22. Change land use?	Pyracantha coccinea establishes frequently in abandoned agricultural fields (de Villalobos et al. 2008). Insufficient.	M	L
23. Increase harvest costs?	‘Firethorn is a large evergreen shrub…it typically grows into a tangled mound up to 10 feet…It is armed with sharp thorns that hide among the dark glossy green leaves (Floridata 2008). Stiff and thorny branches (Brand 2001) No evidence suggests Pyracantha coccinea is present in agricultural systems though structure and clump formation may cause an increase to harvesting efforts. Minor increase in cost of harvesting – e.g. slightly more time or labour is required.	M	M
24. Disease host/vector?	No evidence of hosting diseases.	M	L

Invasive

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Establishment
1. Germination requirements?	Seeds usually germinate in spring, following cold stratification (De Villalobas et al. 2008). Requires natural seasonal disturbances such as spring/summer temperatures.	MH	MH
2. Establishment requirements?	Intolerant of shade (USDA 2009). Succeeds in sun or part-shade (PFAF undated). Requires more specific requirements to establish.	ML	MH
3. How much disturbance is required?	Present in woodlands, shady edges (PFAF undated). Establishes in relatively intact or only minor disturbed natural ecosystems.	MH	ML
Growth/Competitive
4. Life form?	Shrub (Brand 2001). Other.	L	M
5. Allelopathic properties?	Not a known allelopath (USDA 2009). None.	L	MH
6. Tolerates herb pressure?	Fruit persists into late autumn, before abscission or being eaten by wildlife. Tolerant of heavy pruning. (Ohio State undated). Consumed but not preferred.	MH	ML
7. Normal growth rate?	Medium growth rate (Ohio State undated). Firethorn is very fast growing (Floridata 2008). Fast growing (Morrow 1995) Moderately rapid growth rate that will equal competitive species of the same life form.	MH	M
8. Stress tolerance to frost, drought, w/logg, sal. etc?	‘Ability to withstand dry and droughty conditions (Floridata 2008).Prefers a well-drained moisture retentive loamy soil (PFAF undated). Low salinity tolerance (USDA 2009). Tolerant of at least one (drought), susceptible to at least two (waterlogging and salinity).	L	M
Reproduction
9. Reproductive system	No vegetative spread (USDA 2009). Sexual reproduction.	L	MH
10. Number of propagules produced?	High seed abundance (USDA 2009). Estimated 50-1000.	ML	M
11. Propagule longevity?	Unknown	M	L
12. Reproductive period?	Perennial (USDA 2009). Mature plant produces viable propagules for 3-10 years.	MH	M
13. Time to reproductive maturity?	Perennial (USDA 2009). 2-5 years to reach sexual maturity.	ML	M
Dispersal
14. Number of mechanisms?	‘A large majority of the seeds of Pyracantha coccinea…were dispersed by birds less than 100 m from the maternal plant’ (Debussche and Isenmann 1994). Bird dispersed seeds.	H	H
15. How far do they disperse?	‘A large majority of the seeds of Pyracantha coccinea…were dispersed by birds less than 100 m from the maternal plant’ (Debussche and Isenmann 1994). Few propagules will disperse greater than one kilometre; many will reach 200-1000 m.	MH	H

References

Brand (2001). Available at http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/p/pyrcoc/pyrcoc1.html (verified 04 September 2009).

CalFlora (2008) http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=8726 (verified 04 September 2009).

De Villabos AE, Martin JL (2009) Original Paper. Soil disturbance, vegetation cover and the establishment of the exotic shrub Pyracantha coccinea in southern France. Biological Invasions.

Debussche and Isenmann (1994) Bird dispersed seed rain and seedling establishment in patchy Mediterranean vegetation. Nordic Society Oikos

Floridata (2005) http://www.floridata.com/ref/P/pyra_coc.cfm (verified 04 September 2009).

Gokturk A, Olmez Z, Temel F (2006) Some native plants for erosion control efforts in Coruh River Valley, Artvin, Turkey. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences 9 667-673.

Morrow BH (1995) Best Plants for New Mexico gardens and landscapes. University of New Mexico Press.

Ohio State University (undated) http://hcs.osu.edu/hcs/TMI/Plantlist/py_cinea.html (verified 04 September 2009).

PFAF (undated) http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Pyracantha+coccinea (verified 04 September 2009).

Texas Invasives (2008) http://www.texasinvasives.org/invasives_database/detail.php?symbol=PYCO2 (verified 04 September 2009).

USDA (2009) http://plants.usda.gov/java/charProfile?symbol=PYCO2 (verified 04 September 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 04 September 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 04 September 2009).

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (2009) Global biodiversity information facility, Available at http://www.gbif.org/ (verified 04 September 2009).

Integrated Taxonomic Information System. (2009) Available at http://www.itis.gov/ (verified 04 September 2009).

Missouri Botanical Gardens (MBG) (2009) w³TROPICOS, Missouri Botanical Gardens Database, Available at http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/vast.html (verified 04 September 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 04 September 2009).

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