Competition between the invasive species Carpobrotus edulis and the endemic species Limonium emarginatum in the Strait of Gibraltar
Carpobrotus edulis has been introduced to the coastline of the Strait of Gibraltar in Algeciras, Tarifa and Gibraltar. This neophyte is invading coastal cliffs and dunes where it competes with various endemic plants, including Limonium emarginatum, a protected species with a very restricted geographical distribution. Competitive interactions between L. emarginatum and C. edulis were studied by analyzing local distributions, abiotic characteristics of habitats, root development, biomass production and solar radiation access for both species. Results show that C. edulis is replacing L. emarginatum at higher topographical levels in populations settled on both coastal dunes and cliffs. C. edulis is becoming a challenge for the conservation of this species.
Sources
Garzón O, Castillo JM, Figueroa ME (2006) Competition between the invasive species Carpobrotus edulis and the endemic species Limonium emarginatum in Gibraltar Straight. In: Invasive plants in Mediterranean Type Regions of the World (Ed. by S Brunel). Council of Europe publishing. Strasbourg. p. 345.