XVI International Botanical Congess

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Schinus) is found from upland pinelands into the mangrove communities. In coastal southwest Florida, Schinus success could be in part due to its ecophysiology. Schinus predawn water potential (PDWP) was intermediate between that of the halophytes and glycophytes, possibly indicating some salt tolerance. Oxygen isotope signatures of Schinus were similar to those of the glycophytes, indicating that both the exotic and native species were most likely utilizing the same water sources. Schinus had higher water-use efficiency (WUE) than most of the native species. The higher WUE and apparent saline tolerance of Schinus compared to native glycophytes could explain how it is able to colonize and remain in both fresh and brackish water habitats.