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Project Report Discussion
Project Report Discussion
Based on the data summary, this project demonstrates that observed male Amur corktrees (Phellodendron amurense), likely planted with the intent of being unable to reproduce are producing fruit at surprisingly high rates. In addition numerous naturalized infestations of Amur corktree were reported. These two facts coupled with the high rate of Amur corktree planting in one community means that Amur corktree is likely poised to become a significant invasive species problem in natural areas.
Gender Bending Trees: The Issue
Gender Bending Trees: The Issue
Amur corktree, like other dioecious trees, has the ability to change gender, from male to female, if there are no females around. Females can produce viable fruit which is spread and introduces Amur corktree to new areas. Plants, including hard to sex trees, are sometimes mislabeled at the point of sale. As a citizen scientist, help us understand if these trees are being planted as males and switching to females, or if females are being miss labeled and sold as males. Many municipalities planting Amur corktrees are intending to plant only males with the thought that male plants can’t spread seeds and cause Amur corktree invasions in new areas.
For more about Amur corktree as an invasive plant and possibly a gender bending tree check-out this great factsheet from the Plant Conservation Alliance Alien Plant Working Group.
Want to help us understand this tree better? Fill-out this Google Form and Angie Gupta, agupta@umn.edu, will contact you.
Time to revisit trees and look for fruit
Time to revisit trees and look for fruit
Watch this EDDMapS Pro video (starts at minute 25) to refresh your memory about Revisits. As before, pictures are critical, please provide pictures if there are fruit visible (identification below) and comment: female.
If there's no fruit comment: "no fruit" in the Revisit.
A little more...check these "male" trees
A little more...check these "male" trees
Interested in volunteering a little more? Records indicate the trees marked in red on the map above are male, but if they have fruit they're not. Please mark any trees with fruit in EDDMapS Pro and provide pictures. (Many trees may be to small to have fruit, don't worry about marking the trees unless they have fruit.)
Amur corktree identification
Amur corktree identification
Check out this Extension website for more information on Amur corktree identification.
Report: EDDMapS Pro
Report: EDDMapS Pro
Throughout this project you'll learn how to install and use EDDMapS Pro to track Amur corktree.
Amur corktree ID video
Amur corktree ID video
This video just appeared on You Tube and is a nice overview of the basic ID characteristics.
Likely Amur corktree locations
Likely Amur corktree locations
Likely locations are not exact, look around for planted Amur corktree. Always stay on public property, sidewalks, roads, or parks when making observations.
Male Flowers
Male Flowers
5 sepals & 5 petals, bright yellow anthers longer than the petals
Female Flowers
Female Flowers
5 short staminodes , the berries are starting to develop in this image
Fruit
Fruit
Definitely productive females and possible invasive
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