Trojan Horse attack on native lupine: Tiny mice advance under of invasive beachgrass to feast on seeds of endangered plant
Sunday, August 15, 2010 - 22:14
in Biology & Nature
At Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin County, Calif., a fierce battle is taking place between an invasive plant and a native plant, but one with a new twist. European beachgrass provides cover that allows a timid deer mouse to get close enough to the lupine to snip off stalks of lupine fruits without being nabbed by overflying birds. The two plants aren't in direct competition, but the beachgrass in this indirect way threatens the lupine's ability to survive.