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23 July 2014

Sanchezia parvibracteata (sanchezia)

Datasheet Type: Invasive species

Abstract

This datasheet on Sanchezia parvibracteata covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

Identity

Preferred Scientific Name
Sanchezia parvibracteata Sprague & Hutch.
Preferred Common Name
sanchezia
Other Scientific Names
Sanchezia sprucei var. salvadorensis Donn. Sm.
International Common Names
English
shrubby whitevein
small-bract sanchezia
Spanish
espinazo de pescado
Local Common Names
Tonga
moa

Summary of Invasiveness

S. parvibracteata is a popular ornamental and hedge plant widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It has often been seen spreading from cultivation and can be found naturalized in wet and shady areas in the understory of wet forests (Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2014). This species grows forming dense covers in the understory of native and secondary wet- and rain-forests where it is oucompeting native plant species (Meyer and Lavergne, 2004). It is a serious threat to native tropical forests in Australia and is now listed as invasive in Australia, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and New Caledonia (Meyer and Lavergne, 2004; Chacon and Saborio, 2012; PIER, 2014). It is also included in the Global Compendium of Weeds (Randall, 2012). 

Taxonomic Tree

This content is currently unavailable.

Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature

The family Acanthaceae includes about 221 genera and 4000 species widespread in both New and Old World Tropics (Scotland and Vollesen, 2000; Stevens, 2012). Species within this family are herbs or woody shrubs, lianas and trees. The genus Sanchezia is included in the subfamily Ruellieae. This genus is native to the New World and comprises 59 species which are diverse morphologically, ecologically, and geographically (Tripp et al., 2013). Sanchezia species are widely commercialized as ornamentals are often planted as street shrubs or living fences (Scotland and Vollesen, 2000). 

Plant Type

Herbaceous
Perennial
Seed propagated
Shrub
Vegetatively propagated

Description

S. parvibracteata is a large herbaceous shrub; stems smooth, subquadrangular, the angles rounded; leaf blades oblanceolate, 12-25 cm long (up to 35 cm) and 5-11 cm wide (up to 15 cm), acuminate, subfalcate, narrowed at the base and decurrent on the petiole, glabrous, undulate or shallowly dentate, puncticulate above, the costa and lateral veins (11 or 12 pairs) prominent beneath, the cystoliths on both surfaces numerous, about 0.5 mm long; inflorescence a sparingly branched terminal panicle up to 20 cm long, and 5 cm broad, the fascicles usually several-flowered, sessile, subsecund, the bracts subtending them triangular-ovate, subconnate, 10 to 12 mm long, about 6 mm wide at base, the bracts subtending the flowers ovate, up to 16 cm long and about 9 mm wide, obtusish, glabrous, ciliolate; bractlets oblanceolate, 15 mm long, about 4 mm wide, sparingly puberulent without, ciliolate, both bracts and bractlets firm, green or yellowish toward tip; calyx 2 cm long, the segments oblanceolate, 4 to 6 mm wide, acutish, glabrous proximally, puberulous distally, ciliolate, yellow; corolla ochre, 4 to 5 cm long, about 5 mm broad immediately above the ovary, about 10 mm in diameter at throat, rather densely pubescent distally with yellowish retrorsely curved hairs, the lower portion glabrous, the lobes oblong, about 6 mm long and 4 mm wide, emarginate; stamens exserted 7 to 8 mm beyond mouth of corolla, the filaments tomentose at and above the insertion, thence sparingly pilose (the hairs up to 1.5 mm long), but distally glabrous, the anthers 6 mm long, 2.5 mm broad, the sacs pubescent, the basal lobes ending in subulate spreading spurs about 1 mm long; staminodes 15 mm long, sparingly pilose, ovary and style glabrous; capsules 11-15 mm long, puburulous, and apical (Leonard, 1958; Daniel, 1995). 

Distribution

S. parvibracteata is native to tropical South America including Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador (Daniel, 1995; USDA-ARS, 2014). It is naturalized in wet forests in Australia, Mexico, Central America, Puerto Rico, and on several islands in the Pacific Ocean (Daniel, 1995; Meyer and Lavergne, 2004; Randall, 2012; Acevedo-Rodriguez and Strong, 2012; PIER, 2014). S. parvibracteata can also be found in cultivation in India, the West Indies, and Southeastern Asia (Daniel, 1995; Acevedo-Rodriguez and Strong, 2012; Randall, 2012; India Biodiversity, 2014). 

Distribution Map

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Distribution Table

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History of Introduction and Spread

S. parvibracteata has been widely introduced as an ornamental and hedge plant in many tropical and subtropical countries. In Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica it was reported as cultivated and naturalized in the 1950s (Daniel, 2010). In Puerto Rico, it was first reported in a collection made in 1954 in Maricao (US National Herbarium). In Hawaii, it was reported as naturalizing in 2009 in areas near South Hilo (Parker and Parson, 2012). In Australia is known that this species was introduced from Brazil, but the date of introduction is uncertain (Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2014). 

Risk of Introduction

The risk of introduction of S. parvibracteata is high. This species has been commercialized worldwide and cultivated as an ornamental, hedge, screen or border plant. The ability of the species to tolerate shaded conditions and spread vegetatively means that it has the potential to spread much further than it has to date (Meyer and Lavergne, 2004). 

Means of Movement and Dispersal

S. parvibracteata rarely produces fruits and spread is primarily vegetatively by stem fragments which can easily take root. Broken stem fragments can be spread by flowing water. The species produces suckers profusely (Meyer and Lavergne, 2004; PIER, 2014; Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2014). 

Pathway Causes

Pathway causeNotesLong distanceLocalReferences
Escape from confinement or garden escape (pathway cause)Invasions are usually associated with nearby gardens Yes
Queensland Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (2014)
Garden waste disposal (pathway cause)Stem fragments Yes
Internet sales (pathway cause)Plants sold onlineYesYes 
Nursery trade (pathway cause)Ornamental plantYesYes
Ornamental purposes (pathway cause)Often planted as ornamentalYesYes

Pathway Vectors

Pathway vectorNotesLong distanceLocalReferences
Debris and waste associated with human activities (pathway vector)Stem fragmentsYesYes
Floating vegetation and debris (pathway vector)Stem fragments often spread by flowing waterYesYes
Machinery and equipment (pathway vector)Garden toolsYesYes
Water (pathway vector)Stem fragments often spread by flowing waterYesYes

Habitat

S. parvibracteata prefers to grow in moist to wet environments. It grows in the understory of native and secondary wet forests, rainforests, lowland wet forests, montane forests and along stream margins, riverbanks, forest edges and disturbed secondary wet areas (Daniel, 1995; 2010; Parker and Parsons, 2012; PIER, 2014). In Australia, S. parvibracteata grows forming dense thickets under rainforest edges, especially along creeks and other damp, low-lying areas. Invasions are usually associated with nearby gardens (Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2014). 

Habitat List

CategorySub categoryHabitatPresenceStatus
TerrestrialTerrestrial – ManagedRail / roadsidesPresent, no further detailsHarmful (pest or invasive)
TerrestrialTerrestrial – ManagedRail / roadsidesPresent, no further detailsNatural
TerrestrialTerrestrial – ManagedUrban / peri-urban areasPresent, no further detailsProductive/non-natural
TerrestrialTerrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-naturalNatural forestsPresent, no further detailsHarmful (pest or invasive)
TerrestrialTerrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-naturalNatural forestsPresent, no further detailsNatural
TerrestrialTerrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-naturalRiverbanksPresent, no further detailsHarmful (pest or invasive)
TerrestrialTerrestrial ‑ Natural / Semi-naturalRiverbanksPresent, no further detailsNatural

Biology and Ecology

Genetics

The chromosome number for S. parvibracteata is unknown, however the chromosome number reported for the genus Sanchezia is n = 68 (Kaur 1970).

Reproductive Biology and Phenology

S. parvibracteata blooms throughout the year and its flowers are visited by birds - principally hummingbirds. In many areas outside its native distribution range, and in cultivation, plants rarely produce fruits. In Central America it was recorded flowering in January-February and fruiting is unknown (Daniel, 1995; 2010).

Environmental Requirements

S. parvibracteata prefers moist and wet habitats from sea level to 800-1000 m. It grows well in warm temperature and in areas with high water availability. This species can grow in both open sunny areas and shaded areas in the understorey of native and disturbed forests (Daniel, 1995; 2010; Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2014).

Climate

Climate typeDescriptionPreferred or toleratedRemarks
Af - Tropical rainforest climate> 60mm precipitation per monthPreferred 
Am - Tropical monsoon climateTropical monsoon climate ( < 60mm precipitation driest month but > (100 - [total annual precipitation(mm}/25]))Preferred 
As - Tropical savanna climate with dry summer< 60mm precipitation driest month (in summer) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25])Preferred 
Aw - Tropical wet and dry savanna climate< 60mm precipitation driest month (in winter) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25])Preferred 

Air Temperature

ParameterLower limit (°C)Upper limit (°C)
Mean annual temperature1535

Rainfall

ParameterLower limitUpper limitDescription
Dry season duration  number of consecutive months with <40 mm rainfall
Mean annual rainfall8003500mm; lower/upper limits

Rainfall Regime

Bimodal

Impact Summary

CategoryImpact
Economic/livelihoodPositive and negative
Environment (generally)Positive and negative

Impact: Environmental

S. parvibracteata is an invasive species that grows forming dense thickets in the understory of mature and secondary forests principally at low elevations. Consequently, it is outcompeting native plant species within these forests. Sanchezia thickets inhibit the germination and established of native seedlings in the understory of native forests. In Australia, New Caledonia, Hawaii and Costa Rica this species is invading the understory of native forests especially along streams, creeks, and other damp areas generating pronounced ecological impacts (Meyer and Lavergne, 2004; Parker and Parson, 2012; PIER, 2014; Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2014). 

Risk and Impact Factors

Invasiveness

Proved invasive outside its native range
Pioneering in disturbed areas
Tolerant of shade
Benefits from human association (i.e. it is a human commensal)
Fast growing

Impact outcomes

Ecosystem change/ habitat alteration
Monoculture formation
Reduced native biodiversity
Threat to/ loss of native species

Impact mechanisms

Competition - monopolizing resources
Competition - smothering
Hybridization
Rapid growth
Rooting

Likelihood of entry/control

Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately

Uses List

Environmental > Amenity
Environmental > Boundary, barrier or support
Ornamental > Potted plant
Ornamental > Propagation material

Prevention and Control

Due to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.

Physical/Mechanical Control

Seedlings and small plants can be removed manually, ensuring that all stem fragments and roots are removed. Plant pieces should either be bagged and taken to the dump or hung up off the ground to prevent reshooting (Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2014).        

Chemical Control

There is no herbicide currently registered for control of sanchezia in Queensland, but  an off-label use permit allows the use of various herbicides for the control of environmental weeds in non-agricultural areas, bushland and forests (Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2014).    Specific research on the use of herbicides to control sanchezia has not been undertaken to date (Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2014). 

Links to Websites

NameURLComment
Catalogue of Seed Plants of the West Indieshttp://botany.si.edu/antilles/WestIndies/catalog.htm 
GISD/IASPMR: Invasive Alien Species Pathway Management Resource and DAISIE European Invasive Alien Species Gatewayhttps://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.m93f6Data source for updated system data added to species habitat list.
PIERhttp://www.hear.org/pier/index.html 

References

Acevedo-Rodríguez P, Strong MT, 2012. Catalogue of the Seed Plants of the West Indies. Smithsonian Contributions to Botany, 98:1192 pp. Washington DC, USA: Smithsonian Institution. http://botany.si.edu/Antilles/WestIndies/catalog.htm
Chacón E, Saborío G, 2012. Red Interamericana de Información de Especies Invasoras, Costa Rica ([English title not available]). San José, Costa Rica: Asociación para la Conservación y el Estudio de la Biodiversidad. http://invasoras.acebio.org
Daniel TF, 1995. Acanthaceae. 4. Flora Chiapas [ed. by Breedlove, D. E.]. San Francisco, USA: California Academy of Sciences, 1-158.
Daniel TF, 2010. Catalog of Guatemalan Acanthaceae: taxonomy, ecology, and conservation. Proceedings of the California Academy of Science, 61:289-377.
Graveson R, 2012. The Plants of Saint Lucia (in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean). The Plants of Saint Lucia (in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean). http://www.saintlucianplants.com
Herrera K, Lorence DH, Flynn T, Balick MJ, 2010. Checklist of the vascular plants of Pohnpei with local names and uses. Allertonia:146 pp.
Hokche O, Berry PE, Huber O, 2008. Nuevo Catálogo de la Flora Vascular de Venezuela (New catalogue of the vascular flora of Venezuela). Caracas, Venezuela: Fundación Instituto Botánico de Venezuela, 860 pp.
India Biodiversity, 2014. Online Portal of India Biodiversity. http://indiabiodiversity.org/species/list
Kaur J, 1970. Chromosome numbers in Acanthaceae. Science and Culture, 36:103-106.
Leonard EC, 1958. The Acanthaceae of Columbia. Contributions from the U.S. National Herbarium, 31:1-58.
McKee HS, 1994. Catalogue of plants introduced and cultivated in New Caledonia (Catalogue des plantes introduites et cultivees en Nouvelle-Caledonie). Paris, France: National Museum of Natural History, 164 pp.
Meyer JY, Lavergne C, 2004. Beautés fatales: Acanthaceae species as invasive alien plants on tropical Indo-Pacific islands. Diversity and Distributions, 10(5/6):333-347.
Parker JL, Parsons B, 2012. New Plant Records from the Big Island for 2010-2011. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers, 113:65-74.
PIER, 2014. Pacific Islands Ecosystems at Risk. Honolulu, USA: HEAR, University of Hawaii. http://www.hear.org/pier/index.html
Queensland Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, 2014. Sanchezia parvibracteata -- Fact sheet., Australia: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Biosecurity Queensland. http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/61805/IPA-Sanchezia-PP108.pdf
Randall RP, 2012. A Global Compendium of Weeds. Perth, Australia: Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, 1124 pp. http://www.cabi.org/isc/FullTextPDF/2013/20133109119.pdf
Scotland RW, Vollesen K, 2000. Classification of Acanthaceae. Kew Bulletin, 55:513-589.
Space JC, Flynn T, 2001. Report to the Kingdom of Tonga on invasive plant species of environmental concern. Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA: USDA Forest Service.
Space JC, Flynn T, 2002. Report to the Government of the Cook Islands on invasive plant species of environmental concern. Honolulu, USA: USDA Forest Service, 146 pp,.
Space JC, Lorence DH, LaRosa AM, 2009. Report to the Republic of Palau: 2008 update on Invasive Plant Species. Hilo, Hawaii, USA: USDA Forest Service, 227. http://www.sprep.org/att/irc/ecopies/countries/palau/48.pdf
Space JC, Waterhouse BM, Newfield M, Bull C, 2004. Report to the Government of Niue and the United Nations Development Programme: Invasive Plant Species on Niue following Cyclone Heta. 76 pp. http://www.hear.org/pier/pdf/niue_report_20041217.pdf
Stevens PF, 2012. Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
Tripp EA, Daniel TF, Fatimah S, McDade LA, 2013. Phylogenetic relationships within Ruellieae (Acanthaceae) and a revised classification. International Journal of Plant Sciences, 174(1):97-137. http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/668248
USDA-ARS, 2014. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Online Database. Beltsville, Maryland, USA: National Germplasm Resources Laboratory. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomysearch.aspx

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

History

Published online: 23 July 2014

Language

English

Authors

Affiliations

Julissa Rojas-Sandoval
Pedro Acevedo-Rodríguez

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