Germination of an Invading Tree Species (Myrica faya) in Hawaii

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Abstract
Myrica faya Ait. (Myricaceae), an introduced tree species, is rapidly invading disturbed areas of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The effects of fruit age, number of seeds per fruit, passage through bird guts, leaf litter, shade, and endocarp scarification on germination of M. faya were measured. Germination of M. faya seeds was > 80 percent at 10 weeks, declining to 30 percent after 78 weeks of dry storage. Mesocarp removal and endocarp scarification slightly increased germination at 15 weeks but not at 92 weeks; more seeds per fruit and passage through birds had no effect. Leaf litter from M. faya trees and the native Metrosideros polymorpha trees reduced germination. Germination was highest at intermediate shade. Therefore, bird dispersal away from dense forest stands to disturbed areas with intermediate light levels increases the chances of germination for this species.