Effect of Invasive Australian Acacias on the Regeneration, Growth and Nutrient Chemistry of South African Lowland Fynbos

Abstract

Regeneration, mortality, local extinction, growth and foliar elemental concentrations of indigenous (ericoid, restioid, proteoid) and alien (acacia) plant forms and concentrations of soil elements were compared in stands of the invasive Australian Acacia saligna and in surrounding sand plain lowland fynbos vegetation after an autumn fire. All indigenous forms regenerated less successfully in acacia-infested than in natural habitats. Seedling:parent ratios of proteoids were 32%, restioids 42% and ericoids 65% of those in natural vegetation. Seedling mortalities of all plant forms were not different in the two habitats (...)