Davidsonia

Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthefolia) is an aggressive exotic shrub in South Florida, which invades disturbed areas and often creates dense monocultures. As part of management efforts at Montgomery Botanical Center, we investigated a disturbed habitat with both Schinus terebinthefolia and native mangrove vegetation, on a 12 hectare landsite that was initially cleared and has been left fallow since at least the 1950s. We examined relative density and spatial distribution of mangrove and S. terebinthefolia, in order to explore hypotheses about competition between mangroves and S. terebinthefolia. We reviewed archived aerial photographs and conducted a targeted field survey of the interface between the mangrove and Brazilian pepper. Results of the survey and modeling demonstrate that mangroves may sometimes compete successfully with S. terebinthefolia. Intermediate age S. terebinthefolia were not observed at any transect point and seedlings did not produce typical allelopathic effects. In this case mangrove vegetation may compete when dispersed into open areas proximal to Schinus stands. Areas first colonized by mangrove did not support recruitment of Schinus and dense monospecific stands of S. terebinthefolia did not support further seedling recruitment of that species. This may be due to the specific hydrolic conditions and soil dynamics observed in this area. Marl soil, low elevation and constant flux in water level hindered the ability of Schinus to dominate the entire area of the study. Our observations are consistent with observations that early phases of mangrove restoration work are critical to establishing healthy mangrove systems, which are less likely to be invaded by Schinus as mature stands.