Variation in the impact of exotic grasses on native plant composition in relation to fire across an elevation gradient in Hawaii

Response of native Hawaiian woody species to lava-ignited wildfires in tropical forests and shrublands

“…Basal and epicormic sprouting following fire have been observed for Metrosideros polymorpha, a dominant Hawaiian tree species (Parman and Wampler 1977;Hughes et al 1991;Tunison et al 1995;D'Antonio et al 2000). Another dominant native tree, Acacia koa has the capacity to sprout following disturbance (Tunison et al 2001) and produces refractory seeds capable of surviving in the soils for decades until disturbance stimulates germination.…”

“…Seedling recruitment has been observed following wildfire in Metrosideros-dominated wet forests (Tunison et al 2001). In addition, the seeds of a dominant native shrub species in Hawaiian ecosystems, Dodonaea viscosa, were found to break dormancy following exposure to heat (Hodgkinson and Oxley 1990) and have also been found to germinate readily after fire (Hughes et al 1991;Shaw et al 1997;D'Antonio et al 2000).…”

“…Wildfires have a dramatic effect on Hawaiian landscapes (D'Antonio et al 2000). Yet, little is known on the fire history of the Hawaiian Islands and its role in the evolution and development of Hawaiian ecosystems (Vogl 1969;Mueller-Dombois 1981, 2001Smith and Tunison 1992).…”

Conservation of oceanic island floras: Present and future global challenges

“…In particular, alien grasses in dry habitats often accelerate fire cycles, thereby hindering the establishment of native plants, or increasing their mortality (e.g. D' Antonio and Vitousek, 1992;D'Antonio et al, 2000). Invasive nitrogen-fixing trees may increase soil N availability and thereby favour invasive species over native ones (e.g.…”

Invasions and ecosystems: vulnerabilities and the contribution of new technologies

“…These same grass invasions and subsequent fi res occur in the nearby coastal lowlands, but fi res there do not cause the same level of decline in native species cover and richness (D ' Antonio et al 2000 ). This contrast likely occurs because a few of the native species in the lowlands are tolerant of and responsive to fi re.…”