The invasive Tradescantia zebrina does not inhibit germination of the native Hymenaea courbaril but does modulate its growth

• Published in: Plant ecology & diversity 2023-03, Vol.16 (1-2), p.77-85
• Main Authors: Silva, Maria E. N., Ribeiro N., José D., Lion, Marília B., Menezes, Rosemberg F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: alien species; biological invasion; Brejos de Altitude; competition; Ecosystem services; Ecosystem structure; exotic plants; Germination; Hymenaea courbaril; Indigenous species; Introduced species; Invasive plants; Invasive species; Native species; Nutrient cycles; Nutrient loss; plant height; Plant species; root length; Seedlings; Seeds; Soil properties; Soils; Structure-function relationships; Tradescantia; Tradescantia zebrina; tropical forest
• ISSN: 1755-0874; 1755-1668
• DOI: 10.1080/17550874.2023.2239242

Invasive plant species can modify ecosystem structure and function, potentially leading to the loss of native species, environmental and biotic homogenisation, changes in nutrient cycling, impairment of ecosystem services, and decrease in the rate of regeneration of plant recruits. We assessed the effects of the non-native and invasive vine Tradescantia zebrina on the germination and development of the native tree Hymenaea courbaril in north-eastern Brazil. We hypothesised that the invasive species would negatively impact the germination and development, and, via competition, the growth of the native species. We conducted a germination experiment for six months in seven forest patches. Seeds of H. courbaril were cultivated in four possible combinations of two treatments: under a cover with and without T. zebrina, and on soil that originated from places with and without T. zebrina present. Neither T. zebrina cover or soil affected the germination or biomass of H. courbaril during the experiment. H. courbaril seedlings were taller and had longer roots when cultivated in soil that originated from places with T. zebrina. T. zebrina presence alters soil properties in a way that triggers morphological responses in H. courbaril, which can be associated to a perceived competition context.