Dispersal, invasive potential and management of Sonneratia, exotic plants, in mangrove wetlands

Sonneratia apetala Buch.-Ham and S. caseolaris (L.) Engl are two exotic mangrove species distributed in wetlands in Hong Kong and South China, as they have been used for reforestation purposes in Mainland China. These exotic species may out-compete the native mangrove species and disturb the ecological functions of mangrove wetlands. The talk will focus on the distribution, abundance, reproduction, dispersion, germination and construction costs of these two Sonneratia species, aiming to evaluate their invasive potential. The talk will also compare different removal methods to control their spread in Deep Bay, Hong Kong.