Factors that determine the occurrence of native and introduced Spergularia species in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems

ABSTRACT

Background

Studies have found a close correlation between the dispersal of alien species and anthropogenic disturbance. However, in coastal Mediterranean ecosystems, the importance of human induced vs. naturally occurring habitat heterogeneity in influencing the distribution of native vs. exotic species remains poorly understood.

Aims

Our aim was to identify plant communities where native and introduced Spergularia species occur, the associated soil conditions, the effect of anthropogenic activities, and how these factors determine their distribution in Odiel Marshes Natural Park.

Methods

The occurrence of seven Spergularia species was studied in 92 vegetation patches. These patches were analysed for plant species composition, edaphic variables (humidity, pH, salinity, organic matter content and particles >0.2 mm), degree of inundation, degree of alteration and level of protection.

Results

The distribution of 5 native species was related mainly to edaphic factors, while the distribution of 2 species was related to the degree of anthropic impact.

Conclusions

Spergularia species show three patterns of distribution: S. heldreichii, S. fimbriata and S. media do not occupy altered zones. S. salina and S. nicaeensis naturally inhabit undisturbed habitats, but human alterations have increased their distribution. The presence of S. bocconi and S. purpurea is due to human transformation of this area.

KEYWORDS:

• Coastal ecosystems
• distribution
• human disturbance
• soil
• Spergularia

Acknowledgements

We thank the management of the Odiel Marshes Natural Park for its collaboration. We also thank anonymous reviewers and the Editor-in Chief for comments that helped us improve the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/17550874.2022.2078243.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

F. Javier J. Nieva

F. Javier J. Nieva, specialist in salt marsh ecology, is a professor of Ecology.

Rocío Gago

Rocío Gago has worked on this study during the completion of her undergraduate degree project.

M. Dolores Infante-Izquierdo

M. Dolores Infante-Izquierdo works on the ecology and reproductive biology of native and invasive Spartina species and coastal species of Chenopodiaceae.

Alejandro Polo

Alejandro Polo is a Ph.D. student working on the reproductive aspects of the flora of dunes and marshes of the coast of Huelva.

Virgilio Hermoso

Virgilio Hermoso, a specialist in conservation biology and invasive species, is currently a Ramón y Cajal Research Fellow.

Adolfo F. Muñoz-Rodríguez

Adolfo F. Muñoz-Rodríguez is a professor of Botany with research interests in the taxonomy and reproductive biology of plants.