Influence of propagule flotation longevity and light availability on establishment of introduced mangrove species in Hawai'i

Pacific Science
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Abstract

Although no mangrove species are native to the Hawaiian Archipelago, both Rbizopbora mangle and Bruguiera sexangula were introduced and have become naturalized. Rbizopbora mangle has spread to almost every major Hawaiian island, but B. sexangula has established only on O'ahu, where it was intentionally introduced. To examine the possibility that differences in propagule characteristics maintain these patterns of distribution, we first reviewed the literature on surface currents around the Hawaiian Islands, which suggest that propagules ought to disperse frequently from one island to another within 60. days. We then tested the ability of propagules of the two species to float for periods of up to 63 days and to establish under two light intensities. On average, R. mangle propagules floated for longer periods than those of B. sexangula, but at least some propagules of both species floated for a full 60 days and then rooted and grew for 4 months under relatively dense shade. A large percentage (???83%) of R. mangle propagules would be expected to float beyond 60 days, and approximately 10% of B. sexangula propagules also would have remained afloat. Therefore, it seems likely that factors other than flotation ability are responsible for the failure of B. sexangula to become established on other Hawaiian islands.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Influence of propagule flotation longevity and light availability on establishment of introduced mangrove species in Hawai'i
Series title Pacific Science
DOI 10.1353/psc.2006.0015
Volume 60
Issue 3
Year Published 2006
Language English
Publisher University of Hawaii Press
Contributing office(s) National Wetlands Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 10 p.
First page 367
Last page 376
Country United States
State Hawaii
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