The proliferation of plant species outside their native ranges is one of the most widespread anthropogenic disturbances to ecosystems at a global scale. A new analysis recently published in Nature indicates that more than 16,000 species of vascular plants have very successfully naturalized as exotics in other countries. Europe is at the centre of this trend. The research, led by Mark van Kleunen, examined the naturalization of 3,920 native plant species across ten European countries and revealed a striking correlation between dominant native plants and their invasive success abroad.
These results highlight that most naturalizations since the 1950s have taken place in heavily human-altered areas. Human activity has been and continues to be pivotal in introducing plant species across borders. This movement frequently causes negative ecological impacts.
Europe’s Role in Plant Naturalization
Europe is unique among the world’s major exporter regions of naturalized plants. The outcomes of the research point towards that a lot industrial plant species generally cultivated in Europe have broadly tailored to new ecosystems out of doors of Europe. Consider, for example, Cytisus scoparius, or Scotch Broom, a native of Europe that is now widely distributed on every continent except Antarctica.
As Mark van Kleunen explained, many European plant species have an easier time when naturalized in ecosystems not their own. He pointed out that these runaway successful species tend to take off in their European homelands too. This indicates a relationship between how successful a species is in its native habitat and how likely that species is to become invasive in other areas.
Data gathered from up to ten European native regions were in detail compared and analyzed, pointing out shared distinctive features within naturalized alien plants. This field study exemplifies the need for a human-in-the-loop approach to process adaptation. It illustrates that naturalizations largely happen on the coasts, where ecological processes are highly affected by anthropogenic dynamics.
Characteristics of Successful Invaders
The research tracked a host of characteristics that give an advantage to non-natives doing well enough to be considered naturalized. Rashmi Paudel, the study’s first author, elaborated that these traits include stature, ecological generalism, and competitive ability. Typically, Palmer said, they are tall, ecologically adaptive generalists that are very competitive and favor high nutrient environments.
What we found was truly remarkable. Plant species that are successful in their native ranges are usually successful when planted abroad, too. Paudel went on to explain how the plant species that do very well in their native habitat are usually the same species that take over well in other countries and can even become invasive. This is a fascinating observation that it seems both processes must depend on similar biological mechanisms.
Perhaps the most important lesson from the research is that successful invaders are supremely adaptable. This powerful trait equips them to flourish across environmental contexts, including well beyond their native range. In contrast, plants that are failing in their native range hardly ever take root elsewhere.
Implications for Ecosystems
The broader implications of these findings are enormous for the fate of global biodiversity and ecosystem management. A greater number of plants and animals are crossing international borders. Indeed, they wreak havoc on localized ecosystems by outcompeting endemic flora and altering local habitat dynamics. This growing trend of naturalization presents challenges. These challenges are directly affecting our ability to conserve our indigenous plant species and their ecosystems.
Lead author Mark van Kleunen stressed the importance of staying mindful of these dynamics. He mentioned that plants not doing well at their home range almost never make it. They find it hard to acclimatize in host communities. This insight urges stakeholders and policymakers to consider the broader ecological impacts associated with plant introductions and to implement measures that mitigate potential invasiveness.