Invasive Traits of Symphyotrichum squamatum and S. ciliatum : Insights from Distribution Modeling, Reproductive Success, and Morpho-Structural Analysis

Understanding the drivers of invasive species' success is essential for predicting and managing their ecological impacts. , a South American species first recorded in Bucharest in 2015, is currently expanding into urban and peri-urban areas of Romania, raising concerns about its invasive potent...

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Published in:Biology (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2025-01, Vol.14 (1), p.47
Main Authors: Cîșlariu, Alina Georgiana, Mânzu, Ciprian Claudiu, Dumitrașcu, Mioara, Mihai, Daniela Clara, Andronache, Marius Nicu, Camen-Comănescu, Petronela, Nagodă, Eugenia, Sârbu, Anca
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
alien species
anatomy
Animal reproduction
Bioclimatology
Biodiversity
Biological invasions
Climate prediction
ecology
Ecosystem management
environmental variable
Geographical distribution
habitat suitability modeling
Habitats
Introduced species
Invasive species
Invasiveness
Nonnative species
Success
Symphyotrichum squamatum
Wetlands
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Summary:Understanding the drivers of invasive species' success is essential for predicting and managing their ecological impacts. , a South American species first recorded in Bucharest in 2015, is currently expanding into urban and peri-urban areas of Romania, raising concerns about its invasive potential. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of its invasiveness by integrating species distribution modeling, a reproductive trait analysis, and morpho-structural evaluations. To deepen our understanding, we compare with , a species already invasive in Romania, to identify shared traits potentially driving their invasiveness. Using R software (version 4.3.0) with bioclimatic variables, we modeled the potential distribution of both species. The reproductive success of was evaluated through germination tests on seeds from distinct Romanian populations, while anatomical analyses revealed adaptations potentially linked to invasiveness. Our findings indicate that shares traits with successful invaders, as highlighted by its comparison with the invasive . However, its expansion in Romania appears to be constrained by environmental factors, with continentality emerging as a key determinant influencing the distribution of both species. This study highlights the importance of combining ecological modeling with trait-based analyses to assess invasive potential, offering a robust framework for managing alien species.
ISSN:2079-7737
2079-7737
DOI:10.3390/biology14010047