XVI International Botanical Congess

Harungana madagascariensis is a species of small tree native to Africa and introduced to Queensland, Australia around 1900. While it's populations have remained relatively localised (found in patches within an area 50x60km), it's rapid invasion of water courses and open areas, and more particularly its invasion of gaps in cyclone-affected rainforest, has generated environmental concern. In order to predict the further rate and spatial extent of spread of Harungana within the rainforest, a cellular-automata model has been constructed. The parameterisation of the model is based on experimental research into aspects of it's biology, including fecundity, dispersal, the importance of the seed bank and the effects of temperature and light on germination and growth.