Invasive plants shift grassland function in New Zealand
Posted 13 Aug 2025
By James McCarthy
Type: News
Status: Confirmed
Notes: This study investigated how multi-species invasions by non-native plants affect the functional composition of successional grasslands in New Zealand. The authors found that plots with higher non-native species richness and cover were associated with traits favouring rapid resource use and nutrient cycling. These changes weren't just caused by the most dominant invaders, but by the combined effect of many different species.
Jo I, Allen K, Bellingham PJ, Peltzer DA, Rossignaud L, Brandt AJ 2025. Multi-species plant invasions in temperate successional grasslands drive changes in community functional composition. Journal of Vegetation Science 36: e70057.
Click here to view the paper.