Germination and establishment of invasive and native Impatiens species in species-specific microsites.
Abstract
Performance of the Impatiens species (I. glandulifera, I. noli-tangere, I. parviflora) in the field sites dominated by the individual species was studied. Sites dominated by native I. noli-tangere and earlier invader I. parviflora were suitable for germination of all Impatiens species, while the I. parviflora sites were more suitable for further plant establishment.
This result indicates that I. noli-tangere has been outcompeted from sites currently dominated by I. parviflora as well as a possible threat of further spreading of I. glandulifera into sites occupied now by other Impatiens species. Experimental plots in sites dominated by I. glandulifera were unsuitable even for growth of this species one year after its cut.
This indicates facilitation by the I. glandulifera adults.