Nakula, Maui environmental controls on plant growth and seedling recruitment in a cloud-affected restoration site, 2016-2019

Fog has been demonstrated to support plant growth, survival and ecosystem maintenance spanning rainfall and elevation gradients across the world. Persistent fog and strong winds on high mountain slopes in Hawai'i create a unique ecological environment. We collected stem diameter measurements of three native plant species at Nakula Natural Area Reserve, Maui, during 2016-2019 and numerous environmental variables to examine how rain, fog and soil moisture influence plant water deficit and growth. We also collected seedling growth and survival data within plots where grass was removed, and control plots (no grass removal), to assess if and how grass removal influenced seedling growth and soil moisture.