Luke Flory of UF has demonstrated that climate change and invasive plants can have joint effects on a native tree species. Flory tested the effects of prescribed fire on multiple long-leaf pines in a drought condition, invasive plant condition, and a combination of the two.

“Less water meant the trees didn’t grow as tall. At the same time, the cogongrass, which is drought-tolerant, provided extra fuel to the fire, making it burn hotter and increasing the height of flames. In addition, these findings are one more reason why managing invasive plants is so important to conserving native ecosystems,” Flory said.

• Stephen Flory