Abstract
In this study, we examine the pattern of occurrence of <em>Impatiens parviflora</em> in Central European oak forests over time and its ecological requirements within these types of communities. Research was based on phytosociological data collected in 3776 relevés. A modified TWINSPAN algorithm were used to distinguish the groups of oak forests. The ecological preferences of the <em>I. parviflora</em> and studied communities as well as differences between invaded and non-invaded vegetation plots were analyzed using mean weighted Ellenberg indicator values (EIVs). Finally, both the temporal pattern of <em>I. parviflora</em> participation and changes in its coverage in the studied communities were analyzed. Our study confirmed a high adaptability of this species with respect to temperature, moisture, soil reaction and nutrients and determined its broad ecological optimum in oak forests. However, it also revealed both a greater sensitivity of some communities within Central European oak forests to the invasion of <em>I. parviflora</em> and differences in habitat conditions between invaded and non-invaded vegetation plots. This suggests that the habitat niche of <em>I. parviflora</em> within oak forests is not accidental. The analysis of temporal changes in the frequency of <em>I. parviflora</em> confirmed a 20% increase in relevés over the last 50 years. However, we did not identify any statistically significant rise in the coverage of <em>I. parviflora</em> in oak forests specifically during the studied period.
Highlights
Processes connected with the invasiveness of alien plant and animal species are currently one of the most important factors influencing biological diversity [1,2,3,4]
We examine the pattern of occurrence of Impatiens parviflora in Central European oak forests over time and its ecological requirements within these types of communities
TWINSPAN analysis Numerical analysis using the TWINSPAN algorithm enabled us to distinguish 11 groups of Central European oak forests with the participation of I. parviflora, which differ in floristic composition, as well as geographical range (Fig. 1)
Summary
Processes connected with the invasiveness of alien plant and animal species are currently one of the most important factors influencing biological diversity [1,2,3,4]. In response to changes caused by geographically alien species, different preventive actions have been taken They usually ignore species for which control would be inefficient or time-consuming due to the species’ high seed production, persistence of their seed bank, ability to increase their range effectively or the lack of unequivocal evidence supporting an ecologically or economically negative impact. One of these types of species is Impatiens parviflora (small balsam) – the most commonly observed alien plant in Central European deciduous forests [14,15,16]. It is considered to be an invasive species of lesser importance [17], probably owing to its inconspicuous
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