Abstract Detail

Ecological Section

Gavilan, Rosario [1].

Are Spartium junceum restorations a problem for conservation areas of central Spain?

The introduction of potential invasive species through ornamental cultivation or for restoration purposes is becoming a serious environmental problem. It is known that these species cause damage to biodiversity, producing loss on it (Lodge 1993), increasing mortality or incurring in "in situ" phenomena of selection of natural flora (Callaway 2007). Spartium junceum is a Mediterranean shrub, not natural in most of areas of Iberian Peninsula, but it is extensively cultivated for restoration of road sides, invading close areas if environmental conditions are good enough for its establishment. It can affect farming systems, economy and can produce health damage, since the plant organs contain a bitter principle, which have been described as laxative and emetic. It also has glycosides, like cytisine, genistine and others which are toxic to wildlife if ingested, affecting to the heart rythm (Font Quer 1993, Ríos & Laguna 2010), so it is not usually consume by herbivores.The aim of this study is to determine how Spartium junceum behaves and transforms a restoration area that formerly was dominated by a Cistus shrub community. There is evidence this species is highly invasive in other parts of the Iberian Peninsula, in coastal areas. For this purpose, it is necessary to compares S. junceum stands with the surrounding natural vegetation, the chamaephytic Cistus ladaniferc ommunities. To do that we have studied the herb layer of both stands, to know the impact of dominated shrubs on it, the characteristics of soils under both types of formations to check changes that could affect the herbaceous and shrub layers. The importance of seed bank to determine the composition of the vegetation in both formations has also been studied. Finally, the analysis of all these effects can provide enough information to evaluate the potential invasive power of Spartium junceum in central Spain mostly under future conditions of climate change.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Universidad Complutense, Departamento de Biología Vegetal II, Facultad de Farmacia, Madrid, 28040, SPAIN

Keywords:
Spartium junceum
Restoration
Seed Bank
natural vegetation.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 13
Location: Fayette/Hyatt
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 2:30 PM
Number: 13005
Abstract ID:1069