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Review

Mechanisms and Impact of Acacia mearnsii Invasion

by
Hisashi Kato-Noguchi
* and
Midori Kato
Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080553 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 15 July 2025 / Revised: 1 August 2025 / Accepted: 1 August 2025 / Published: 4 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Adaptation and Survival Under Global Environmental Change)

Abstract

Acacia mearnsii De Wild. has been introduced to over 150 countries for its economic value. However, it easily escapes from plantations and establishes monospecific stands across plains, hills, valleys, and riparian habitats, including protected areas such as national parks and forest reserves. Due to its negative ecological impact, A. mearnsii has been listed among the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species. This species exhibits rapid stem growth in its sapling stage and reaches reproductive maturity early. It produces a large quantity of long-lived seeds, establishing a substantial seed bank. A. mearnsii can grow in different environmental conditions and tolerates various adverse conditions, such as low temperatures and drought. Its invasive populations are unlikely to be seriously damaged by herbivores and pathogens. Additionally, A. mearnsii exhibits allelopathic activity, though its ecological significance remains unclear. These characteristics of A. mearnsii may contribute to its expansion in introduced ranges. The presence of A. mearnsii affects abiotic processes in ecosystems by reducing water availability, increasing the risk of soil erosion and flooding, altering soil chemical composition, and obstructing solar light irradiation. The invasion negatively affects biotic processes as well, reducing the diversity and abundance of native plants and arthropods, including protective species. Eradicating invasive populations of A. mearnsii requires an integrated, long-term management approach based on an understanding of its invasive mechanisms. Early detection of invasive populations and the promotion of public awareness about their impact are also important. More attention must be given to its invasive traits because it easily escapes from cultivation.
Keywords: adaptation; allelopathy; drought; herbivore; genetic variation; natural enemy; pathogen; reproduction adaptation; allelopathy; drought; herbivore; genetic variation; natural enemy; pathogen; reproduction
Graphical Abstract

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MDPI and ACS Style

Kato-Noguchi, H.; Kato, M. Mechanisms and Impact of Acacia mearnsii Invasion. Diversity 2025, 17, 553. https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080553

AMA Style

Kato-Noguchi H, Kato M. Mechanisms and Impact of Acacia mearnsii Invasion. Diversity. 2025; 17(8):553. https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080553

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kato-Noguchi, Hisashi, and Midori Kato. 2025. "Mechanisms and Impact of Acacia mearnsii Invasion" Diversity 17, no. 8: 553. https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080553

APA Style

Kato-Noguchi, H., & Kato, M. (2025). Mechanisms and Impact of Acacia mearnsii Invasion. Diversity, 17(8), 553. https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080553

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