Comprising a series of essays from botanical experts across the globe, this reference presents a comprehensive examination of the problem of invasive plant species and their impacts on different ecosystems. Through examination of ecological theories that explain plant invasions, it provides a foundation in invasion ecology. Contributors discuss the role of ecological attributes such as plant life history and fire and management practices with respect to plant invasion. The book examines the physiological basis for invasive species success and gives ecological management and restoration guidelines for invaded areas.

Invasive plant ecology: The horse behind the cart? What makes the alien plants so successful? Exploration of the ecological basis. Novel weapon hypothesis for the successful establishment of invasive plants in alien environments: A critical appraisal. Functional basis for geographical variation in growth among invasive plants. Aboveground-belowground interactions: Implication for invasiveness. From species coexistence to genotype coexistence: What can we learn from invasive plants? Mycorrhizae and invasive plants. Exotic plant response to forest disturbance in the western United States. Effects of silvicultural practices on invasive plant species abundance in the Missouri Ozark forests of the central United States. Invasive plants and mutualistic interactions between fleshy fruits and frugivorous animals. Alien plant invasion and its ecological implications: An Indian perspective with particular reference to biodiversity-rich regions. Impact of invasive alien plant species on aboveground and belowground diversity in the Kashmir Himalaya, India. Ecology and management of invasive plants in Africa. Geospatial tools for identifying and managing invasive plants. Improving restoration to control plant invasions under climate change. Converting invasive alien plant stands to natural forest nature's way: Overview, theory, and practice. Economics of invasive plant management. An economic analysis of the invasive plant problem associated with the horticulture industry in North America. Index.