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Invasive forbs differ functionally from native graminoids, but are similar to native forbs.

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Invasive forbs alter ecosystems by outcompeting native graminoids, not native forbs. Differences in functional traits, like lower leaf chlorophyll and faster litter decomposition, explain these impacts.

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Plant Biology
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Exotic plant invasions can significantly alter ecosystem processes.
  • These alterations are particularly pronounced when invasive species possess distinct functional traits compared to native species.
  • Understanding trait differences is crucial for predicting invasion impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if ecosystem alterations by invasive forbs are due to functional trait differences within the same functional group or differences in functional group affiliation.
  • To compare invasive forbs with native forbs and graminoids based on various functional traits and ecosystem impacts.

Main Methods:

  • Compared six invasive European forbs with six native forbs and six native graminoids.
  • Measured leaf and whole-plant traits, trait plasticity (nutrient supply, competition), litter decomposition, soil nutrient effects, and allelopathy.
  • Conducted pot experiments for all traits and field measurements for leaf traits.

Main Results:

  • Invasive forbs showed few differences from native forbs (lower leaf chlorophyll, reduced phosphorus uptake, stronger allelopathy).
  • Invasive forbs differed significantly from native graminoids in multiple traits (lower tissue density, shorter leaf lifespan, faster litter decomposition, lower nitrogen-use efficiency).

Conclusions:

  • Invasive forbs have the potential to alter ecosystem properties, especially in graminoid-dominated systems by displacing native graminoids.
  • Invasive forbs are less likely to alter ecosystem properties when displacing native forbs due to fewer trait differences.