Arnaud Vervoort

Comparative reproductive biology in co-occurring invasive and native impatiens species

Two alien Impatiens species are spreading in Europe and share habitats with the native Impatiens noli-tangere. We studied their reproductive biology to estimate which traits facilitate invasiveness. Flower morphology was examined, insect observations were made, and hand pollination treatments were performed. Floral biology differed among species. Impatiens glandulifera and I. noli-tangere presented large quantities of sucrose-dominant nectar, contrary to Impatiens parviflora. The latter had high autonomous selfing ability (81.4% fruit set) linked to complete self-compatibility. No inbreeding depression was detected for this species. The second alien, I. glandulifera, showed lower autonomous selfing (9.3% fruit set), with high self-compatibility and low inbreeding depression (). No evidence of autonomous selfing was found for the native, which presented the lowest self-compatibility and the highest inbreeding depression (). However, all species can be considered self-compatible. Impatiens glandulifera flowers were visited by insects up to 250 times during their life span, whereas I. noli-tangere and I. parviflora flowers received fewer than seven visits. Both exotics present traits facilitating reproductive success. Impatiens parviflora exhibits autonomous self-pollination, whereas the other species possess attractive traits with respect to insect pollination. On the other hand, the native, unable to self-pollinate, is poorly attractive to pollinators. The high fecundity of the aliens seems to contribute to their invasiveness.

Habitat overlap of the invasive Impatiens parviflora DC with its native congener I. noli-tangere L.

Small balsam, or Impatiens parviflora, is one of the most invasive herbaceous alien species in European temperate forests, and is increasingly found in the same sites as its native congener I. noli-tangere. The aim of this study was to explore the habitat range of both species and determine whether overlap occurs. Vegetation surveys were conducted in 13 Belgian sites. We performed 139 releves according to the following stratification: pure plots of the invasive balsam, pure plots of the native balsam, mixed plots with both species and plots without either of the two species. Soil characteristics were analyzed (pH, organic matter, C/N ratio and cations) and Ellenberg indicator values were used for light and soil moisture. We assessed species affinities for both Impatiens using indicator species analysis. Discriminant analysis was carried out to assign the sample plots to certain vegetation types. Vegetation and soil characteristics indicated that the species have considerable habitat overlap. This overlap is indicated by similar communities among releves and by the failure of discriminant analysis to correctly assign plots. Populations of both Impatiens species are surrounded by an unsuitable habitat that probably limited their spread. In conclusion, we predicted that the alien balsam could spread rapidly with the help of human disturbance and transport, and could compete with the native congener.