Bocconia frutescens distribution on Hawaii Island
Benitez DM and Saulibio D. 2007. Bocconia frutescens distribution on Hawaii Island. Technical Report 144. Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawai`i at Manoa. Honolulu
Bocconia frutescens, or plume poppy, is a large erect shrub listed as a noxious weed by the State of Hawaii. Surveying was conducted in 2003 to document the distribution and population densities in Wood Valley (Ka`û District), Honomolino and Manukâ (South Kona District). Ground surveying was conducted along 80 transects in addition to roadside and aerial surveying. Bocconia was distributed across 1,522 ha in Wood Valley, 82 ha in Honomolino and 34 ha in Manukâ. Bocconia was a severe pest within young (5-10 m tall) eucalyptus plantations in Wood Valley, with fruiting individuals observed in all sampled parcels. Lower plant densities were observed in interiors of mature eucalyptus forest adjacent to severely infested plantations, principally in gaps and streambeds, suggesting an affinity for high light levels and soil disturbance. Cane lands harbored mature Bocconia, although at a much lower density than eucalyptus plantations, with less than 100 individuals/ha versus greater than 500 individuals/ha. Higher densities were also observed along roadsides within cane lands. Bocconia was not observed within native, closed-canopy `ôhi`a and koa forests in the adjacent Ka`u Forest Reserve, except along one jeep trail. Bocconia populations in Honomolino occur in a mosaic of habitats including rangelands, `ôhi`a forest and woodlands and residential areas. Bocconia at Manukâ occurs primarily in `ôhi`a-dominated native mesic forest.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Benitez, David; Saulibio, David
- Date of Issue
- 2007-05
- Publisher
- Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawai`i at Manoa
- Units
- HAVO
- Keywords
- Bocconia frutescens, Distribution (Biodiversity), Invasive Species, Observations, plume poppy, Presence (Biodiversity), Vascular Plant, Vouchers