Prolific fruit output by the invasive tree Bellucia pentamera Naudin (Melastomataceae) is enhanced by selective logging disturbance

• DOI: 10.1111/btp.12545
• Publication Date: 2018-03-27T04:48:36Z
• Authors: Christopher Dillis; Andrew J. Marshall; Campbell O. Webb; Mark N. Grote
• Keywords: Melastomataceae; Dipterocarpaceae; Tropical rain forest

Abstract Selective logging in tropical rain forests may promote population growth of invasive plants. The ability invaders to respond, specifically reproductive traits, increase resource abundance allow them their presence the seed recipient communities. pioneer tree Bellucia pentamera (Melastomataceae) is currently spreading within Gunung Palung National Park West Kalimantan, Indonesia. park has also experienced periods illegal, small‐scale, selective that seem have facilitated and spread this invader. We first used fruiting frequency as a proxy for fruit output make comparisons between B. native community over 200 genera. then constructed two Generalized Linear Autoregressive Moving Average ( GLARMA ) models using 13 months phenology data predict both crop size under versus natural treefall disturbance regimes. fruited at considerably higher than all genera considered. This invader responded positively with odds being sizes least doubling logged plots. Prolific especially problematic lottery competition forest gap communities, which prominence particularly important. Furthermore, response suggests harvesting practice considerable role facilitating invasion Southeast Asia.