Warmer and less variable temperatures favour an accelerated plant phenology of two invasive weeds across sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island

Climate change is enhancing the invasive capabilities of two weed species, Poa annua and Cerastium fontanum, on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. The study found that warmer, less variable temperatures accelerate plant growth and phenological development in P. annua, while temperature variability negatively impacts both species. Despite their distinct reproductive strategies, both species successfully produce seeds across all studied sites, demonstrating remarkable acclimation to extreme conditions. This suggests that climatic warming could significantly boost the invasiveness of alien plants even in remote sub-polar regions, underscoring the urgent need for proactive management to prevent further spread.

March‐Salas, M., & Pertierra, L. R. (2020). Warmer and less variable temperatures favour an accelerated plant phenology of two invasive weeds across sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island. Austral Ecology, 45(5), 572–585. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12872