Faster returns on 'leaf economics' and different biogeochemical niche in invasive compared with native plant species

Penuelas, Josep; Sardans, Jordi; Llusia, Joan; Owen, Susan M.; Carnicer, Jofre; Giambelluca, Thomas W.; Rezende, Enrico L.; Waite, Mashuri; Niinemets, Ulo. 2010 Faster returns on 'leaf economics' and different biogeochemical niche in invasive compared with native plant species. Global Change Biology, 16. 2171-2185. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2009.02054.x

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Abstract/Summary

Plant-invasive success is one of the most important current global changes in the biosphere. To understand which factors explain such success, we compared the foliar traits of 41 native and 47 alien-invasive plant species in Oahu Island (Hawaii), a location with a highly endemic flora that has evolved in isolation and is currently vulnerable to invasions by exotic plant species. Foliar traits, which in most cases presented significant phylogenetic signal, i.e. closely related species tended to resemble each other due to shared ancestry, separated invasive from native species. Invasive species had lower leaf mass per area and enhanced capacities in terms of productivity (photosynthetic capacity) and nutrient capture both of macro- (N, P, K) and microelements (Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn). All these differences remain highly significant after removing the effects of phylogenetic history. Alien-invasive species did not show higher efficiency at using limiting nutrient resources, but they got faster leaf economics returns and occupied a different biogeochemical niche, which helps to explain the success of invasive plants and suggests that potential increases in soil nutrient availability might favor further invasive plant success.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2009.02054.x
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biogeochemistry > BGC Topic 1 - Monitoring and Interpretation of Biogeochemical and Climate Changes
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Billett (to November 2013)
ISSN:	1354-1013
Additional Keywords:	biogeochemical niche, Hawaiian flora, invasive success, leaf economics, leaf elemental composition, LMA, nutrient stoichiometry, photosynthetic capacity
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	05 Jul 2010 14:15 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/8240

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