Smathers, G. A., and D. E. Gardner. 1979. Stand analysis of an invading firetree (Myrica faya Ait.) population, Hawaii. Pacific Science 33:239-255.
ABSTRACT
Since 1971, the exotic firetree (Myrica faya) has been invading a native ohia tree (Metrosideros collina subsp. polymorpha Rock) habitat in the 1959 Kilauea Iki devastation area, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Ninety six trees of the invading population were analyzed as to structural and fruiting characteristics. Data were collected from two permanent transects that were designed to provide for continued study of the firetree and ohia community. Initial findings reveal that the present firetree spread depends on an outside seed source, and successful seedling establishment is dependent on favorable microhabitat conditions beneath ohia trees. As yet, no competitive replacement of ohia trees by firetrees has been observed. On the contrary, firetrees over 2 m tall that had grown up and into ohia tree crowns were exhibiting poor vigor. Additionally, there is a high positive correlation between firetree loss of vigor and diameter increase beyond 4- 5 cm. Preliminary observations suggest that firetree seed dispersal depends on birds, primarily, the exotic Japanese white-eye (Zosterops japonica).
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