Modeling long-distance seed dispersal of the invasive tree Spathodea campanulata in the Society Islands.

Long-distance dispersal is a key factor explaining the success of invasive alien species, particularly across oceanic islands. However, it is often not feasible to reliably measure long-distance seed dispersal (LDD) over many kilometers in the field. Here, we used a three-dimensional kinematic trajectory model (Computing Atmospheric Trajectory tool [CAT]) initiated on the basis of regional wind field data to assess the potential for LDD of a wind-dispersed invasive tree, Spathodea campanulata (African tulip tree), across the Society Islands (French Polynesia, South Pacific Ocean) following its initial planting and spread on the island of Tahiti.

Meta-analytic evidence that allelopathy may increase the success and impact of invasive grasses.

Background: In the grass family, a disproportionate number of species have been designated as being invasive. Various growth traits have been proposed to explain the invasiveness of grasses; however, the possibility that allelopathy gives invasive grasses a competitive advantage has attracted relatively little attention. Recent research has isolated plant allelochemicals that are mostly specific to the grass family that can breakdown into relatively stable, toxic byproducts.

Rapid upwards spread of non-native plants in mountains across continents.

High-elevation ecosystems are among the few ecosystems worldwide that are not yet heavily invaded by non-native plants. This is expected to change as species expand their range limits upwards to fill their climatic niches and respond to ongoing anthropogenic disturbances. Yet, whether and how quickly these changes are happening has only been assessed in a few isolated cases.