Faculty

Population Genetics and Pollination Biology of Scaevola plants in Puerto Rico

My students and I have been working on understanding the effects of an invasive species on native species in the Caribbean.  The invasive (beach naupaka, Scaevola taccada) is a relatively recent addition to the Caribbean flora and we have been interested in understanding how it potentially impacts a native species in the same genus, the Fan Flower (Scaevola plumieri) in Puerto Rico. The native plant is also known by its common name, Inkberry, because of its black fruits. I am interested in these plants because of their capacity for oceanic dispersal (floating seeds!) and their evolution in island habitats. Both species live primarily on coastal dunes. In various regions of the Caribbean, the native's habitat is being lost to the invasive Fan Flower. The invasive species is commonly planted as an ornamental shrub at hotels and various other beachfront locations, but it is native to the Indo-Pacific.  We have collected many populations samples of both species to compare levels of genetic diversity as a first step to characterizing potential impacts of the invasive and to theorize possible routes of dispersal of the invasive. We also have been interested in the pollination biology of both, to understand how the presence of the invasive might affect the native's ability to attract pollinators and thererfofre reproduce.  The goals of this research are to: 1) provide experiences and opportunities for my research students; 2) provide a terrestrial research component for students in my Evolution course (4 cr) and associated off campus experiences.

We recently published a paper about the pollination biology work that my students and I have accomplished in Puerto Rico.