Ecophysiological traits associated with the competitive ability of invasive Australian acacias

Date
2011-09
Authors
Morris, Taryn L.
Esler, Karen J.
Barger, Nichole N.
Jacobs, Shayne M.
Cramer, Michael D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
Abstract
Aim: We explored morphological and ecophysiological traits that enable invasive Australian acacias to compete with native species for resources (light, water and nutrients) necessary to support the substantial growth associated with successful invasions. Location: Global. Results: Invasive Australian acacias grow large and seed prolifically in invaded regions. The greater capacity for vegetative growth is underpinned by their ability to acquire and efficiently use resources in non-native habitats. Key biological traits that enhance acquisition include (1) rapid and substantial allocation to root mass (up to 6-fold more than co-occurring native species) directed towards deep roots (at least 50% longer than those of natives) and to extensive shallow root networks; (2) heteroblasty, in most species, conferring high relative growth rates as bipinnate seedlings but long-lived, nutrient-conserving phyllodes as adults and (3) strong N2-fixation abilities. Main conclusions: The ecophysiological traits that govern the competitive interaction of invasive Australian acacias with native species are an important component of the recognized suite of factors including introduction history, human use and enemy release that combine to produce successful invasions. Traits interact to give Australian acacias competitive advantage over many native species. One such interaction is that of N2 fixation, which when coupled with slow decomposition of sclerophyllous phyllodes results in alteration of soil nutrient cycling. The lasting legacy of soil N-enrichment hinders the competitive ability of native species and further enhances invasions. The importance of edaphic factors and competitive interactions in determining invasive success should be considered in predictive modelling of species distributions. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Description
The original publication is available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
Keywords
Acacia -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Invasive plants -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Biological invasions -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Competition (Biology) -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Fynbos -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Acacia -- Growth -- South Africa -- Western Cape
Citation
Morris, T.L. et al. 2011. Ecophysiological traits associated with the competitive ability of invasive Australian acacias. Diversity and Distributions, 17(5):898–910. doi: 10.1111/j.1472-4642.2011.00802.x.