Caesalpinia decapetala (tree, shrub)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

General Impact Caesalpinia decapetala has a thorny smothering habit which can reduce flora and fauna habitat through forming dense monocultures. This can create a habitat for introduced pests (such as foxes, cats and rabbits in Australia). Thorns on the plant can injure wildlife and restrict access for livestock. The weed can damage fences, sheds, road signs and other infrastructure (NSW North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee 2009). Ecosystem change (NSW North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee 2009): C. decapetala is capable of growing in a range of environments and soil types. Infestations alter natural ecosystems through light reduction, smothering and prevention of germination of native seedlings. Modification of Hydrology: C. decapetala prefers to grow along water courses, where it forms dense thickets. These thickets restrict water flow, access to water and the movement of flood debris, which leads to increased flood damage (NSW North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee 2009). Infestations of C. decapetala scramble over riparian vegetation and are believed to greatly accelerate water loss by evapo-transpiration (South African National Parks Undated). Reduction in native biodiversity (South African National Parks Undated): C. decapetala out-shades indigenous vegetation causing trees to collapse. Economic (NSW North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee 2009): C. decapetala is a thorny plant capable of climbing and engulfing native vegetation, fences, road signs, sheds, bridges and other infrastructure. The growth and spread of C. decapetala restricts access to forest, roadside and riparian areas, reducing aesthetic value and potentially seriously injuring people. For these reasons it may impact tourism assets. Agriculture (NSW North Coast Weeds Advisory Committee 2009): Beef cattle farmers and other agricultural industries may be impacted. C. decapetala smothers pasture lands, limits livestock movement and machinery and may damage infrastructure such as fences. The long spines of C. decapetala may inflict serious injury to animals.          Location Specific Impacts: Australia   Competition: Reportedly smothers native vegetation and invades rainforest margins. New South Wales (Australia)   Competition: Reportedly smothers native vegetation and invades rainforest margins. Queensland (Australia)   Competition: Reportedly smothers native vegetation and invades rainforest margins. Hawaii (United States (USA))   Agricultural: In Hawai'i, C. decapetala represents a formidable foe for ranchers as it has the capability to take over large areas of land. Ecosystem change: Large numbers of yellow flowers appear during winter and spring on Maui. Insects found on C. decapetala on Maui include the Sonoran carpenter bees (Xylocopa sonorina), bean butterflies (Lampides boeticus), honey bees (Apis mellifera), and crazy ants (Technomyrmex albipes). The first three were found on the flowers and could potentially be pollinating the flowers. The ants were found in the seed pods (Starr Starr & Loope 2003). Physical disturbance: C. decapetala is a weed in pastures, range lands, and waste places in Hawaii (Haselwood et al. 1983).