Site Susceptibility to Invasion by the Exotic Tree Melaleuca quinquenervia in Southern Florida

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Abstract
The ability of the introduced tree M. quinquenervia (Cav.) Blake to invade a variety of sites in southern Florida was investigated in field experiments involving seeding and planting trials. Germination, survival and growth were monitored on 8 sites for 3 yr. In conjunction with the field studies, greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine moisture requirements for germination and growth under artificial hydroperiod variation. Greenhouse experiments demonstrated that seeds germinate in 3 days, even under water. Greater height growth was obtained under saturated soil conditions than under moist, well-drained conditions, but there was no significant difference in the average dry weight of the seedlings in the 2 treatments. Height growth of seedlings subjected to various schedules of submergence was retarded, but seedlings survived extended periods under water and resumed normal growth when flooded conditions were removed. Seeding and planting trials in the field demonstrated differential site suitability for Malaleuca germination, survival and growth. Sites where soils were moist to saturated for several months but rarely flooded provided optimum conditions for establishment. Extended periods of dry soil or flooding reduced site suitability. Growth was greater on acid-sandy soils than on alkaline-marl soils. Where optimal conditions occur regularly, Melaleuca eventually becomes a prominent component of the vegetation. The environment and vegetation types of south Florida are particularly susceptible to exotic plant invasions. Critical points in Melaleuca''s life history may be used to advantage to control efforts.

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