Niche conservatism and the future potential range of Epipactis helleborine (Orchidaceae).

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the current distribution of suitable niches for the invasive orchid species, Epipactis helleborine, and to estimate the possibility of its further expansion. Moreover, niche modeling tools were used to explain its rapid expansion in North America and to test the niche conservatism of the species. The maximum entropy method was used to create models of the suitable niche distribution. A database of E. helleborine localities was prepared based on the examination of herbarium specimens, information from electronic databases as well as data gathered during field works. The differences between the niches occupied by native and invasive populations were evaluated using the niche overlap and niche identity test indexes. Moreover, the coverage of the mo

SUBMITTER: Kolanowska M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3797094 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature