Site susceptibility to invasion by the exotic tree Melaleuca quinquenervia in southern Florida.
Abstract
Greenhouse experiments showed that seeds of this Australian tree germinated within 3 days after planting, even under water. Greater ht. growth was obtained in saturated soil than in moist, well-drained soil, but there was n.s.d. in av. dry wt. between the 2 treatments. Height growth of seedlings subjected to various periods of flooding was retarded, but returned to normal when flooding ceased. Sowing and planting trials over 3 yr on 8 sites showed that optimum conditions for establishment were found on sites which were moist to saturated for several months but rarely flooded. Extended dry periods or flooding reduced germination, survival and growth. Growth was greater on acid sandy soils than on alkaline marl soils.