The Open Forest Science Journal

2009, 2 : 91-97
Published online 2009 December 31. DOI: 10.2174/1874398600902010091
Publisher ID: TOFSCIJ-2-91

Studies on the Distribution and Characteristics of an Allochthonous Population of Acacia farnesiana

Agustín Naranjo Cigala , Marcos Salas , Leila Agudo , Elizabeth Fernández and José R. Arévalo
Edificio de Humanidades (Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria). C. Perez del Toro, 1, 35003 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.

ABSTRACT

The Acacia farnesiana shrub species is native to Central America, but naturalized and considered an invasive species in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world. This study examines some of the characteristics of an Acacia farnesiana allochthonous population in the Canary Islands. When an alien species colonizes a new environment, it interacts with new elements to which is not accustomed: predators, pollinators, dispensers, competitors. To become successful these new elements need to fill all the species requirements. This paper attempts to determine the degree of resilience of this species and how dangerous can be for the native community. The information provided by this study is of maximum importance when deciding how dangerous this invasive species is, as well as determining how it should be handled and, where advisable, eradicated.

Keywords:

Acacia farnesiana, distribution, allochthonous population.