Inter- and intraspecific trait variation shape multidimensional trait overlap between two plant invaders and the invaded communities

Invader success and ecosystem impact are both expected to be largely driven by the functional trait distinctiveness of the resident species relative to the invaded communities. To understand the importance of trait distinctiveness for plant invasions, and the native community’s trait response to the invasion, it is key to measure multiple traits simultaneously, and to incorporate intraspecific trait variation. Here we explored multidimensional patterns of inter- and intraspecific trait variation during the invasion of two functionally contrasting species. We constructed multidimensional trait hypervolumes for the invaders, their invaded communities, and uninvaded reference communities. The functional distinctiveness hypothesis predicts that invaders will occupy a mostly unique part of the trait hypervolume and that invasion will shift the trait composition of the native community to minimize trait overlap with the invader. Impatiens glandulifera was characterized by acquisitive traits, ...