Mechanical control of gorse Ulex europaeus: factors affecting resprouting capacity.
Cutting is frequently used to control invasive species, but the ability of plants to produce stump sprouts is little studied, even though it has strong consequences on the efficiency of this management, and a structural effect on ecosystems. Here we have studied the intraspecific variability of resprouting capacities of the common gorse, (Ulex europaeus) by comparing regions of its native and invaded areas. We conducted a comparative study in an experimental garden between two invaded regions (Reunion, New Zealand) and two native regions (Scotland, Brittany). Results show that (1) regrowth is mainly governed by the basal architecture of individuals (2) there are differences in resprouting capacity depending on the geographic regions, but no clear trend within native and invasive areas (3) life-history traits linked with resprouting capacity also vary depending on geographic regions. These results show large intraspecific variation in the resprouting capacity of gorse, and provide guidance for the management of gorse in invaded areas.