Spatial distribution and performance of native and invasive <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ardisia</Emphasis> (Myrsinaceae) species in Puerto Rico: the anatomy of an invasion |
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Authors: | Marcia C Muñoz James D Ackerman |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, PO Box 70377, San Juan, PR 00936-8377, USA;(2) Center for Applied Tropical Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, PO Box 70377, San Juan, PR 00936-8377, USA;(3) Museo de Ciencias Naturales-INCIVA, Avenida Roosevelt 24-80, Cali, Colombia |
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Abstract: | Comparisons between native and invasive congeners are potentially useful approaches for identifying characteristics that promote
invasiveness. Those traits for which an invasive exhibits superior ecological performance are likely to contribute to its
invasiveness. We tested the hypothesis that invasive tree species have better ecological performance in early life cycle stages
than native species in forests where they coexist. We studied locally sympatric populations of the invasive Ardisia elliptica and the native A. obovata (Myrsinaceae) in Puerto Rico. We compared spatial distribution, herbivory and growth in seedlings, seed germination in the
field and under controlled conditions, and fruit production. We found the distribution of each species was aggregated in the
three categories of size (seedlings, juveniles and adults) and the populations partially overlapped. The invasive species
was the most abundant species in every category of size. The two species did not differ in percentage of leaf area consumed
and seedlings of both species had the same relative growth rate (RGR) in the forest. However, the invasive species had higher
germination success in the field, faster mean germination time in the lab and higher fruit production. It appears that the
success of A. elliptica is not through escape from pathogens or herbivores, but by a better performance in fruiting and seed germination in the forest. |
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