Water stress and shade may limit the potential of one of the world’s most widespread invasive alien tree species, the Australian pine tree (Casuarina equisetifolia L.) to spread on sandy coastal plains of Brazil.
Species have been moved around the world for many reasons and have led to the rise of biological invasions which are a major driver of ecological and social change globally. One such species, Prosopis (mesquite), has been introduced to over 100 countries globally, both accidently and purposefully to act as an agroforestry tree.
In November 2015 the Centre for Invasion Biology (C·I·B) hosted an international workshop entitled “Evolutionary dynamics of tree invasions: drivers, dimensions, and implications for management”.
Understanding why some introduced species are more successful at establishing and spreading than others is a substantial challenge for managing and conserving indigenous biodiversity.
Many invasive species provide both benefits and costs to society and the environment. These benefits include aesthetic values, but also provide resources such as timber, fuelwood, fodder and food.
