Seasonal water-use by the invasive exotic, Schinus terebinthifolius, in native and disturbed communities

Abstract

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae) is an aggressive invader found in both disturbed and native habitats of Florida. The purpose of this study was to compare Schinus water uptake patterns to those of four native species in a disturbed previously farmed area versus a native pineland community. Although neither of the study sites was flooded, soils in both sites were saturated with water at the end of the wet season. Isotopic analysis of stem water showed that almost all the native species in both sites showed a seasonal change in plant water uptake; plants utilized mainly groundwater during the dry season but shifted to a high proportion of soil water during the wet season. In the pineland community, Schinus showed no seasonal shift in water uptake source. In the disturbed community, however, Schinus was not isotopically distinct from the native species with regard to water source. Despite greater soil water availability in the wet season, predawn water potentials were significantly lower in the wet than in the dry season for native species at both sites. The counterintuitive decrease in water potentials during the wet season in both study sites could be the response of native plants to root flooding. Predawn water potentials of Schinus in both study areas however, remained constant across seasons. Predawn and noontime water potential differences were smaller in Schinus than in the native species at both sites during the wet season, but this pattern was found only in the disturbed area during the dry season. Schinus was most likely less affected by seasonality and more tolerant of root flooding than the native species studied.

The role of avian frugivores on germination and potential seed dispersal of the Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolius

“…In Brazil, Schinus is found along the coast toward inland areas up to 2000 m above sea level, from Pernambuco State, near the Equator, to Southern Brazil where it is common and found virtually in any altered area (Joly 1979, Lenzi & Orth 2004a. Througout their range it occurs in areas in early stages of successional regeneration, forest edges, cities, dunes, drylands, marshes, and grasslands (Hasui & Höfling 1998, Backes & Irgang 2002, Ewe & Sternberg 2002, Tassin et al 2007). As it is adapted to different environments, its appearance varies from arbustive sprawling shrub 2-3 m in height to trees up to 15 m (Lenzi & Orth 2004a).…”

“…It was introduced in over 20 countries of all continents, except Antarctica, currently with global distribution in two subtropical-temperate belts in both southern and northern hemispheres (Morton 1978, Mytinger & Williamson 1987. Introduced as ornamental in Florida, USA, during the ninetienth century Schinus extended its range to cover over 280,000 ha and is now regarded as the most widely found exotic woody species in Florida (Ewe & Sternberg 2002, Williams et al 2005, listed as prohibited plant and noxious weed (Cuda et al 2005). As a toxic weed which threatens biodiversity, it has been target of eradication and/or control activities by conventional and biological methods in the US mainland (Morton 1978, Cuda et al 2005, as well as Hawaii (Hight et al 2003).…”

Calophya latiforceps, a New Species of Jumping Plant Lice (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) Associated withSchinus terebinthifolius(Anacardiaceae) in Brazil

“…In general, plant species that are able to use available resources in the environment more efficiently are better competitors than other plant species (Ewe andSternberg 2002, 2003). Ewe and Sternberg (2002) found that Brazilian peppertree is less affected by seasonality and more tolerant to root flooding than native plant species growing in the Everglades. Specifically, Brazilian peppertree growing in disturbed and pineland communities in the Everglades showed no seasonal shift in water uptake and predawn water potentials remained constant.…”

PRODUÇÃO DE BIOMASSA E CONTEÚDO DE FENÓIS E FLAVONOIDES DE<i> Schinus terebinthifolius</i> CULTIVADA EM FILEIRA SIMPLES E DUPLA COM CAMA DE FRANGO

“…Pink pepper is a pioneer species (SOUTO and BOEGER, 2011) with high growth rates, vigorous re-sprouting and tolerance of fluctuating groundwater levels (EWE and STERNBERG, 2002), being therefore indispensable in the heterogeneous reforestation used for restoration of degraded areas of permanent preservation. Additionally, it is tolerant to shade, fire, saline conditions, and droughts.…”