Seedling and clonal recruitment of the invasive tree Psidium cattleianum: implications for management of native Hawaiian forests.

摘要: Abstract Non-native plants present serious management problems in many preserves. Strawberry guava Psidium cattleianum (Myrtaceae), a small tree and aggressive invader of tropical areas, is rapidly spreading through Hawaiian forests including those the two US national parks Hawaii. Feral pigs non-native birds disperse seeds; also create soil disturbances that may enhance tree's spread. Our study guava's reproductive biology focussed on its dependence animals. We found abundantly produced seed germinated under wide range conditions, without scarification. seedlings occur same substrates as do native seedlings, usually undisturbed sites. Both clonally suckers are common, but contribute greater leaf areas. Guava's clonal growth partially explain success dominating forests. Apparently germination establishment not depend animal dispersal, or created by pigs; thus, control plant cannot rest entirely