Climate Matching Map
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| ClimateMatch_CA_Caesalpinia_spinosa_1.pdf (1.12 MB) | 1.12 MB |
1. Question 1
Yes
1
Very High
Caesalpinia spinosa is native to the Andes mountains of South America, particularly in Peru (Dostert et al. 2013, Cordero et al. 2016). It can also be found in other South American countries including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and northern Chile. Outside of South America, it has been introduced to northern and eastern Africa, southern Europe including Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, South Asia, the Middle East, and the United States (Escuer & Carles 2012, Dostert et al. 2013, Cordero et al 2016, GBIF 2021, Wojciechowski & McClintock 2022, USDA NRCS). Within the United States, the plant has naturalized in parts of Southern California (Escuer & Carles 2012, GBIF 2021, Calflora 2022).
Cordero, I., M. D Jiménez, J. A. Delgado, L. Villegas, and L. Balaguer. 2016. “Spatial and Demographic Structure of Tara Stands (Caesalpinia Spinosa) in Peru: Influence of Present and past Forest Management”. Forest Ecology and Management 377: 71-82. doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2016.06.034.
Wojciechowski, Martin F, and E McClintock. n.d. “Caesalpinia Spinosa” 2022. Jepson Flora Project. https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=16513.
“Plant Profile: Caesalpinia Spinosa”. n.d. USDA NRCS Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CASP11.
“Taxon Report: Caesalpinia Spinosa”. 2022. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=1230.
“Caesalpinia Spinosa (Molina) Kuntze in GBIF Secretariat”. 2021 2022. GBIF. https://www.gbif.org/species/2958521.
Escuer, Castell, and Joan Carles. 2012. “TARA (Caesalpinia Spinosa): The Sustainable Source of Tannins for Innovative Tanning Processes”. TDX (Tesis Doctorals en Xarxa). https://upcommons.upc.edu/handle/2117/94584.
2. Question 2
Yes
2
Very High
This species is noted as naturalized in California (Escuer & Carles 2012, GBIF 2021, Calflora 2022) and Portugal (Domingues de Almeida and Freitas 2006). Portugal shares a similar climate to many parts of California where the plant is present.
Escuer, Castell, and Joan Carles. 2012. “TARA (Caesalpinia Spinosa): The Sustainable Source of Tannins for Innovative Tanning Processes”. TDX (Tesis Doctorals en Xarxa). https://upcommons.upc.edu/handle/2117/94584.
“Caesalpinia Spinosa (Molina) Kuntze in GBIF Secretariat”. 2021 2022. GBIF. https://www.gbif.org/species/2958521.
“Taxon Report: Caesalpinia Spinosa”. 2022. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=1230.
de Almeida, Domingues, and H Freitas. 2006. “Exotic Naturalized Flora of Continental Portugal \textendash A Reassessment”. Botanica Complutensis, 117-30.
3. Question 3
No
0
Low
I found no evidence that Caespalinia spinosa is invasive where it occurs outside its native range.
Dostert, Nicolas, José Roque, Grischa Brokamp, Asunción Cano, María I. La Torre, and Maximilian Weigend. (2009) 2009. “Factsheet Botanical Data: Tara”. https://repositorio.promperu.gob.pe/bitstream/handle/20.500.14152/1341/Factsheet_botanical_data_tara_2009_keyword_principal.pdf?sequence=1\&isAllowed=y.
Wojciechowski, Martin F, and E McClintock. n.d. “Caesalpinia Spinosa” 2022. Jepson Flora Project. https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=16513.
“Taxon Report: Caesalpinia Spinosa”. 2022. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=1230.
4. Question 4
No
0
Low
I found no evidence that Caespalinia spinosa is invasive where it occurs outside its native range.
No references cited.
5. Question 5
No
0
Very High
A handful of Caesalpinia species are described as weeds (Coetzer and Neser 1999). Erythrostemon gilliesii (previously Caesalpinia gilliesii), native to South America, has become naturalized in areas of the American Southwest (Wojciechowski and McClintock 2012, Calflora 2022), although it is not categorized as invasive. A handful of Caesalpinia species are known to be invasive, prominently among which is C. decapetala. Caesalpinia decapetala is considered invasive across various parts of the world, including parts of West Africa, South Africa, and Hawaii (Coetzer and Neser 1999, Starr et al 2003, Byrne 2011). However, C. decapetala and other members of this genus which are considered invasive are seemingly restricted to tropical or subtropical habitat, which likely will not overlap with California climate (Coetzer and Neser 1999). For instance, in South Africa, a country composed largely of areas with similar climate to California, C. decapetala is restricted to the far-eastern coast where it is presumably wetter and, according to the Climate Match model, is not similar to California.
Calflora,. 2022. “Calflora - Caesalpinia Gilliesii”. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=1229.
Byrne, MJ, ETF Witkowski, and FN Kalibbala. 2011. “A Review of Recent Efforts at Biological Control of Caesalpinia Decapetala (Roth) Alston (Fabaceae) in South Africa”. African Entomology 19: 247-57.
Coetzer, W, and S Neser. 1999. “Biological Control Initiatives Against the Invasive Oriental Legume, Caesalpinia Decapetala (Roth) Alston (Mauritius Thorn)”. Biological Control of Weeds in South Africa (1990\textendash1998). African Entomology Memoir 1: 145-52.
Starr, Forest, Kim Starr, and Lloyd Loope. (2003) 2003. “Caesalpinia Decapetala”. Maui, Hawai\textquoterighti.
Wojciechowski, MF, and E McClintock. 2012. “Jepson EFlora: Taxon Page for Caesalpinia Gilliesii” 2022. https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=16498.
6. Question 6
No
0
Medium
While this species' nonnative range (Australia, Spain, South Africa, etc.) often match the climate of parts of California, the greater part of its range appears to be in South America near its native range of Venezuela to northern Chile (Sangay-Tucto and Duponois 2018) which does not match California's climate based on the GBIF Climate Match map generated for this report. Less than 50% of this plant's occurrence outside of its native range match California's climate.
Sangay-Tucto, Sheena, and Robin Duponnois. 2018. “Ecological Characteristics of Tara (Caesalpinia Spinosa), a Multipurpose Legume Tree of High Ecological and Commercial Value”. In , 189-208. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
7. Question 7
No
0
Medium
I was unable to find any evidence that this species displaces native plants where it has established. Sangay-Tucto and Duponnois (2018) note that this plant is often used in agroforestry because it is usually not a strong competitor with other plants partially due to its sparse crown which allows for adequate light penetration for crop plants growing beneath.
Sangay-Tucto, Sheena, and Robin Duponnois. 2018. “Ecological Characteristics of Tara (Caesalpinia Spinosa), a Multipurpose Legume Tree of High Ecological and Commercial Value”. In , 189-208. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
8. Question 8
No
0
Low
I was unable to find any evidence that this species changes fire regimes.
No references cited.
9. Question 9
No
0
Very High
This species is armed with thorns as an adult (Escuer and Carles 2012, Cordero et al 2016, Tucto and Duponnois 2018, Wojciechowski and McClintock 2022), and therefore has the potential to cause injury to humans or other animals. However, I found no evidence that this poses a medically significant risk. I was also unable to find evidence that this species negatively affects grazing systems. In fact, grazing seems to threaten this plant in its native range, as young plants are not armed with thorns and thus at risk for herbivory during this stage (Cordero et al. 2016).
Cordero, I., M. D Jiménez, J. A. Delgado, L. Villegas, and L. Balaguer. 2016. “Spatial and Demographic Structure of Tara Stands (Caesalpinia Spinosa) in Peru: Influence of Present and past Forest Management”. Forest Ecology and Management 377: 71-82. doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2016.06.034.
Sangay-Tucto, Sheena, and Robin Duponnois. 2018. “Ecological Characteristics of Tara (Caesalpinia Spinosa), a Multipurpose Legume Tree of High Ecological and Commercial Value”. In , 189-208. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Escuer, Castell, and Joan Carles. 2012. “TARA (Caesalpinia Spinosa): The Sustainable Source of Tannins for Innovative Tanning Processes”. TDX (Tesis Doctorals en Xarxa). https://upcommons.upc.edu/handle/2117/94584.
Wojciechowski, Martin F, and E McClintock. n.d. “Caesalpinia Spinosa” 2022. Jepson Flora Project. https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=16513.
10. Question 10
No
0
Low
I was unable to find good evidence that this plant has the capacity to grow in a density that would impede human and animal movement. However, there is some mention that it may occasionally be used as a "living fence" in agricultural systems (Dostert et al. 2013, Sangay-Tucto and Duponnois 2018).
Sangay-Tucto, Sheena, and Robin Duponnois. 2018. “Ecological Characteristics of Tara (Caesalpinia Spinosa), a Multipurpose Legume Tree of High Ecological and Commercial Value”. In , 189-208. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
11. Question 11
Yes
1
Very High
Balaguer et al. (2011) note that this species is able to resprout via root sucker. However, the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network states that the plant reproduces exclusively through seeds.
No references cited.
12. Question 12
No
0
Medium
This species appears to reproduce primarily by seed. The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network states that this species reproduces exclusively through seeds. Most other sources only note propagation via seeds (Dostert et al. 2013, Cordero et al. 2016).
Network, New Zealand Plant Conservation. n.d. “Caesalpinia Spinosa”. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/caesalpinia-spinosa/.
Cordero, I., M. D Jiménez, J. A. Delgado, L. Villegas, and L. Balaguer. 2016. “Spatial and Demographic Structure of Tara Stands (Caesalpinia Spinosa) in Peru: Influence of Present and past Forest Management”. Forest Ecology and Management 377: 71-82. doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2016.06.034.
Dostert, N., J. Roque, G. Brokamp, Asunción Cano, María I. La Torre, and Maximilian Weigend. 2013. “Seven Vascular Plants Species Used in Peru: Factsheet Botanical”. Arnaldoa 20: 359-432.
13. Question 13
Yes
1
Very High
Dorstet et al. (2013) note "The fresh seeds have a high germination capacity (> 90%), even without treatment."
Dostert, N., J. Roque, G. Brokamp, Asunción Cano, María I. La Torre, and Maximilian Weigend. 2013. “Seven Vascular Plants Species Used in Peru: Factsheet Botanical”. Arnaldoa 20: 359-432.
14. Question 14
Yes
1
Very High
This plant produces approximately 3000 to 4500 seeds per kilogram of fruit, and an average yield is between 20-40kg of fruit two times per year (De la Cruz Lapa 2004, Dorstet et al. 2013, Tucto-Sangay and Duponnois 2018). Thus, this plant has the potential to produce upwards of 120000 seeds per year under favorable conditions. However, it is noted that this plant's yield varies considerably depending on location and growing conditions, with some wild and isolated plants producing approximately 10kg yield per harvest (De la Cruz Lapa 2004).
Sangay-Tucto, Sheena, and Robin Duponnois. 2018. “Ecological Characteristics of Tara (Caesalpinia Spinosa), a Multipurpose Legume Tree of High Ecological and Commercial Value”. In , 189-208. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Dostert, N., J. Roque, G. Brokamp, Asunción Cano, María I. La Torre, and Maximilian Weigend. 2013. “Seven Vascular Plants Species Used in Peru: Factsheet Botanical”. Arnaldoa 20: 359-432.
Lapa, De la Cruz. 2004. “Aprovechamiento Integral Y Racional de la Tara Caesalpinia Spinosa - Caesalpinia Tinctoria”. Revista del Instituto de Investigación de la Facultad de Minas, Metalurgia Y Ciencias Geográficas 7: 64-73. doi:10.15381/iigeo.v7i14.733.
15. Question 15
Yes
1
Medium
Dostert et al. (2013) note that fresh seeds from this species can have a germination rate greater than 90%, even without pretreatment. However, this is likely an observation based on nursery seedlings, and not natural recruitment. Varying levels of recruitment are noted in the wild due to factors such as deforestation, pressure from cattle grazing, and potential introduction into unique habitats via human dispersal (Balaguer et al. 2011, Cordero et al. 2016, Cordero et al. 2017) which likely alter recruitment rates. I was unable to find a reliable estimate of natural seedling germination rate, however it appears clear that this plant has the potential for significant germination rates and there are no notable barriers or requirements for successful germination.
Balaguer, Luis, Rosa Arroyo-Garcia, Percy Jiménez, María Dolores Jiménez, Luís Villegas, Irene Cordero, Rafael Rubio de Casas, et al. 2011. “Forest Restoration in a Fog Oasis: Evidence Indicates Need for Cultural Awareness in Constructing the Reference”. PloS One 6: e23004.
Dostert, N., J. Roque, G. Brokamp, Asunción Cano, María I. La Torre, and Maximilian Weigend. 2013. “Seven Vascular Plants Species Used in Peru: Factsheet Botanical”. Arnaldoa 20: 359-432.
Cordero, I., M. D Jiménez, J. A. Delgado, L. Villegas, and L. Balaguer. 2016. “Spatial and Demographic Structure of Tara Stands (Caesalpinia Spinosa) in Peru: Influence of Present and past Forest Management”. Forest Ecology and Management 377: 71-82. doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2016.06.034.
16. Question 16
Yes
1
Medium
There seems to be conflicting information on time to fruit. De la Cruz Lapa (2004) and Dostert et al. (2009) state that fruit production begins at approximately six years of age. However, Sangay-Tucto and Duponnois (2018) report that harvest typically happens no earlier than 4 years in natural systems, with some plants harvested after two years. Regardless, the plant appears to have the ability to produce viable seed around five years after germination.
Sangay-Tucto, Sheena, and Robin Duponnois. 2018. “Ecological Characteristics of Tara (Caesalpinia Spinosa), a Multipurpose Legume Tree of High Ecological and Commercial Value”. In , 189-208. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Dostert, Nicolas, José Roque, Grischa Brokamp, Asunción Cano, María I. La Torre, and Maximilian Weigend. (2009) 2009. “Factsheet Botanical Data: Tara”. https://repositorio.promperu.gob.pe/bitstream/handle/20.500.14152/1341/Factsheet_botanical_data_tara_2009_keyword_principal.pdf?sequence=1\&isAllowed=y.
Lapa, De la Cruz. 2004. “Aprovechamiento Integral Y Racional de la Tara Caesalpinia Spinosa - Caesalpinia Tinctoria”. Revista del Instituto de Investigación de la Facultad de Minas, Metalurgia Y Ciencias Geográficas 7: 64-73. doi:10.15381/iigeo.v7i14.733.
17. Question 17
Yes
1
Very High
Seed production timing varies by location, but it appears to usually last at least a few months, and harvests can occasionally occur twice per year. This plant also has the potential to produce year-round under cultivated and ornamental conditions (De la Cruz Lapa 2004)
Lapa, De la Cruz. 2004. “Aprovechamiento Integral Y Racional de la Tara Caesalpinia Spinosa - Caesalpinia Tinctoria”. Revista del Instituto de Investigación de la Facultad de Minas, Metalurgia Y Ciencias Geográficas 7: 64-73. doi:10.15381/iigeo.v7i14.733.
18. Question 18
Yes
1
Very High
This plant is primarily dispersed by animals via ingestion of seeds. It has been observed that domesticated animals such as cows and goats can effectively disperse this plant's seeds long-distance, presumably greater than 100m.
Cordero, I., M. D Jiménez, J. A. Delgado, L. Villegas, and L. Balaguer. 2016. “Spatial and Demographic Structure of Tara Stands (Caesalpinia Spinosa) in Peru: Influence of Present and past Forest Management”. Forest Ecology and Management 377: 71-82. doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2016.06.034.
19. Question 19
No
0
Low
I found no evidence that this plant disperses via wind or water.
No references cited.
20. Question 20
No
0
Low
I found no evidence that this plant is dispersed via contaminated seed, equipment, vehicles, boats, or clothing/shoes.
No references cited.
Evaluation Notes
Question 11: I only found one source (Balaguer et al. 2011) that stated this plant can reproduce vegetatively. Most other sources only discuss propagation via seeds, however they don't specify whether other methods are possible. I found conflicting information on the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network that states this plant only reproduces via seed.
Question 16: Information on age of first fruit is vague. This is a plant mostly known for the commercial value of its seeds, so much of the information on time to fruit is likely based on optimal growing conditions provided in nursery and agricultural systems. The best information I could find on time to fruit in wild systems is from De la Cruz Lapa (2004), who states the plants generally take around 6 years until first fruit, but this can be lowered with optimized growing conditions.
Total PRE Score
10
20
72
