Preferential Associations of InvasiveLantana camara(Verbenaceae) in a Seasonally Dry Hawaiian Woodland

Lantana camara, one of the world's worst invasive species, shows preferential associations with specific factors in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Research reveals that its spread is significantly influenced by the presence of the native nitrogen-fixing tree Sophora chrysophylla and disturbances such as fire and proximity to roads. Lantana was absent from unburned plots but more common within 200 meters of roads in burned areas, indicating that fire and human-made corridors facilitate its invasion. The study used 105 vegetation plots across submontane woodland to measure plant cover, soil depth, pig disturbance, and fallen trees, providing critical insights into the ecological drivers of lantana's establishment at the edge of its distribution.

August-Schmidt, E. M., Haro, G., Bontrager, A., & D’Antonio, C. M. (2015). Preferential Associations of InvasiveLantana camara(Verbenaceae) in a Seasonally Dry Hawaiian Woodland. Pacific Science, 69(3), 385–397. https://doi.org/10.2984/69.3.7