Understanding the basic biology of invasive species can help us to choose the best management strategies to deal with the invasion. I report the phenology, seed production and dispersal of Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, an Australian palm that is invading Atlantic forest fragments. Field work was done in a 10 ha forest fragment (Mata da Cuaso 23º34' S, 46º43' W). Archontophoenix produced bunches of fruits all year round, with a peak of mature fruits from October to February. Trees reach maturity around 18.5 cm DBH, each producing 4,119 ± 1,922 seeds year-1. Birds disperse the seeds, and nearly 15% of them escape post-dispersal seed predation during the time interval needed for germination. The spatial pattern of post-dispersal predation and the absence of pre-dispersal seed predation suggest a lack of specialized seed predators of Archontophoenix, as predicted by the enemy release hypothesis. Data obtained from this and other studies pointed out to a massive increase in seed production of A. cunninghamiana in a few years within the fragment. I suggest that this invasive palm can be taking advantage of the absence of Euterpe edulis Mart., a native palm which has similar biology, and was locally extinct due to human disturbances. Recommendations to control the invasion include the continuous removal of all Archontophoenix larger than 15 cm DBH, and the establishment of a buffer zone free of Archontophoenix around the fragment to decrease propagule pressure.
Atlantic forest; biological invasion; enemy release hypothesis; habitat fragmentation
