Native forest regeneration and eucalyptus plantations in the Malagasy Highland

Eucalyptus plantations (EP) offer a number of goods and services that can reduce pressure on native forests. Eucalyptus trees can also be invasive and have a negative impact on native species diversity and regeneration. This article deals with the complex interaction between EP and native forests by studying the case of the humid forests of Malagasy Central High Land that are surrounded by EP. Floristic inventories were carried out on 400 m(2) plots in adjacent secondary forests (n = 5) and EP (n = 6). Eucalyptus has not spread to secondary forests understory. Native species from secondary forests have colonised EP understory.

Automated summary

This study explores the complex interaction between eucalyptus plantations and native forests. The research found that eucalyptus trees have not spread to the understory of secondary forests, while native species from secondary forests have colonised the understory of eucalyptus plantations.