Complex and Dynamic Effects of an Extreme Low Temperature Weather Event on Invasive Plant Populations and Resident Communities.

ABSTRACT: Whilst it is often assumed that invasive plant species may benefit more from climate change than native species, there is little empirical data on how they, and the communities they invade, respond to extreme weather events (EWEs). Here, we show that the effects of a low temperature EWE can result in a dramatic reduction in both vegetative and reproductive growth of invasive populations of Gunnera tinctoria, although a significant recovery was found within 1 year after its occurrence. Whilst the EWE decreased both the leaf/petiole numbers of mature plants, the major impact was on leaf expansion and a decrease in the size/number of inflorescences. Concomitant with the reduction in growth of G. tinctoria, there was a 5-fold increase in the number of resident species emerging in invaded areas

SUBMITTER: Mantoani MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11874191 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature