Elevational distribution and photosynthetic characteristics of the invasive tree Spathodea campanulata on the island of Tahiti (South Pacific Ocean)

Abstract

Successful invasion is often due to a combination of species characteristics (or invasiveness) and habitat suitability (or invasibility). Our objective was to identify preferred habitats and suitable environmental conditions for the African tulip tree Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae), one of the most invasive alien trees on the tropical island of French Polynesia (South Pacific Ocean), in relation to its distribution and photosynthesis capacity. Spathodea abundance and leaf chlorophyll fluorescence Fo', ETR max , and Y(II) effective were examined in relation to topography and micro-climate along elevational transects between 140 m and 1,300 m. Results showed that Spathodea is (1) present up to 1,240 m with lowest maximum July-October (cool season) temperature of 9.4 °C and an average July-October temperature of 14.6 °C, (2) is able to colonize slope steepness of more than 45°, (3) RESEARCH ARTICLE Advancing research on alien species and biological invasions A peer-reviewed open-access journal NeoBiotaSébastien Larrue et al. / NeoBiota 30: 127-149 (2016) 128 cantly supporting the hypothesis that this range is a non-preferred environment, probably due to microclimate conditions characterized by punctual air dryness. Among Spathodea plants surveyed along a wetter transect, Y(II)effective and ETR max were comparable from low elevation to mid-high elevation indicating that the potential photosynthesis rate of Spathodea may be similar from sea level until mid-high elevation. Major infestations on the island of Tahiti were reported on the leeward (drier and urbanized) west coast, but Spathodea has also been recently found on the slopes of the windward (wetter) east coast. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements indicate a high photosynthetic capacity among Spathodea in wet environments suggesting that Spathodea will become invasive across most of the island of Tahiti.

Ocorrência de Spathodea Campanulata no município de Santa Rosa do Sul-SC

“…Conforme relato de moradores todas as plantas encontradas de espatódea foram introduzidas propositalmente, com a finalidade de embelezamento da residência, não sendo verificado a sua propagação espontânea como relatado em outras áreas do mundo (Lugo, 2004;Labrada e Diaz-Medina, 2009;Larrue et al 2016).…”

“…A espatódea é considerada por diversos autores como árvore invasora de biomas pelo mundo (Lugo, 2004;Labrada e Diaz-Medina, 2009;Larrue et al 2016) devendo a sua substituição por espécies nativas frutíferas ser estimulada.…”

Modeling long‐distance seed dispersal of the invasive tree Spathodeacampanulata in the Society Islands

“…Since this temperature is not lethal for the embryo of seed, germination remains possible after LDD. Additionally, Spathodea seedlings and adult trees were observed in natural environments with extreme low temperatures reaching less than 10°C (Larrue et al, 2016). Furthermore, our simulation indicated that most seeds settled on the eastern, humid side of the islands (windward coast), and the high humidity at these sites is a preferred condition for seed germination of Spathodea (Larrue et al, 2020).…”

Keragaman dan Pengendalian Tumbuhan Invasif di KHDTK Samboja, Kalimantan Timur (Diversity and Management of Invasive Plants in Samboja Research Forest, Kalimantan Timur)

“…Menariknya, masyarakat Afrika secara tradisional menggunakan ekstrak kulit batang dari S. campanulata untuk mengobati luka dan percobaan terhadap tikus di laboratorium menunjukkan hasil yang sama (Ofori-Kwakye et al 2011). Jenis ini patut di waspadai karena pohon dewasa mampu beregenerasi melalui akar dan patahan cabang (PIER 2016), dan permudaannya diketahui toleran terhadap naungan dan mampu beradaptasi pada rentang ketinggian lokasi yang besar (0-1000 mdpl) (Larrue et al 2014(Larrue et al , 2016 sehingga dapat bersaing dengan jenis asli lainnya. Diperlukan penelitian lebih lanjut tentang perkembangan jenis ini di Kalimantan, khususnya ekologi, penyebaran dan potensi invasi di dalam kawasan hutan.…”