Effect of Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) canopy density on the understory plant community on San Salvador, Bahamas

Authors

Jeffry Anderson, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
Anna Baumgartner, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

4-25-2014

Disciplines

Biology | Forest Biology | Soil Science

Advisor

Nicholas Deacon, Biology

Abstract

Casuarina equisetifolia, or Australian pine, is an invasive angiosperm species on the island of San Salvador, The Bahamas. It was originally found only in Southeast Asia and Australia. This tree is unique in that its leaves are much reduced and occur in whorls around the photosynthetic branchlets. It has been established that this tree contributes to the increased erosion of sediment on the dunes of San Salvador (Sealey 1998). This study investigated several possible factors contributing to differences in the understory plant community which may contribute to this erosion including leaf litter density, shading, and soil pH. It is hypothesized that dense Casuarina stands contribute to decreased understory species richness and diversity.

Recommended Citation

Anderson, Jeffry and Baumgartner, Anna, "Effect of Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) canopy density on the understory plant community on San Salvador, Bahamas" (2014). Celebrating Scholarship & Creativity Day (2011-2017). 36.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/elce_cscday/36