Location
SPREP LIBRARY
Publisher
Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment (Samoa)
Publication Year:
2004
Publication Place
Apia, Samoa
Physical Description:
94 p. ; 29 cm
Call Number
[EL]
Collection
Language
English
Record ID:
34184
Legacy PEIN ID:
74185
General Notes
Available electronically
Available online
Subject Heading(s)
Environment - Conservation - Samoa
Environment - Protection - Samoa
Environment - Protection - Samoa
Natural resources - Conservation - Samoa
Abstract
Merremia peltata, disturbance ecology, tropical cyclones and Samoa. The biology and ecology of Merremia peltata are not well understood. While some regard the species as an exotic invader of Pacific Island ecosystems (Meyer. 2000). others identify the plant as a native species likely to be harmful to native ecosystems (Whistler, 1995a. 2002) or as either native or ancient Polynesian introduction behaving invasively (Space and Flynn.(2002). In Samoa, this species occurs up to an elevation of around 300 meters (Whistler 1995a). and thus only affects lowland ecosystems. This species increases its distribution and abundance in two ways, either vegetatively. by sprawling into neighboring areas and rooting from its nodes or by seeds, although early research in the Solomons observed a low seed viability rate, and creeping may thus be its primary means of reproduction (Bacon. 1982). M. peltata has apparently been in the Pacific for hundreds of years (Whistler, pers. com.) but has only become invasive in the years following tropical cyclones Ofa (1990) and Val (1991) according to comments from local government officials. Disturbance thus appears to be an ecological contributing factor to this invasion.
Location
SPREP LIBRARY
Publisher
Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment (Samoa)
Publication Year:
2004
Publication Place
Apia, Samoa
Physical Description:
94 p. ; 29 cm
Call Number
[EL]
Collection
Language
English
Record ID:
34184
Legacy PEIN ID:
74185
General Notes
Available electronically
Record Created: 29-Jan-2008
Record Modified: 09-Dec-2021