Perusing some old e-mail, I noticed that you are interested in "plant species that have destructively invaded PRIMARY forests anywhere in the world." _Miconia calvescens_ is one; _Clidemia hirta_ is another (both in Melastomataceae). If, in your work, you come across any literature or anecdotal references to the existence of the South American tree _Miconia calvescens_ (Melastomataceae) in Sri Lanka, Jamaica (or anywhere other than Tahiti), I would be most interested to hear of it. This species is an incredibly invasive pest which has devastated most of the natural ecosystems on the island of Tahiti, establishing monocultures over vast areas which were formerly native forest (post-hurricane). Its numerous tiny seeds are dispersed by birds, and seedlings are shade-tolerant. _Miconia calvescens_ is present on the Big Island (Hawaii) of the Hawaiian Islands in problem proportions at this time, and several populations have become "naturalized" on the island Maui. It is the populations on Maui about which I am personally most concerned at this time, since it may still be controllable here. Hope this helps! Regards, Philip Thomas National Biological Survey (U.S.) Haleakala (Maui) Field Station P.O. Box 369 Makawao, Maui, HI 96768 USA
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