Climate change-linked woody vines' growth could impact the health of Aussie tropical rainforests

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-06-10 12:45

Australia; QLD

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Woody vine growth in Australia's tropical rainforests has been increasing over time (2000–2014), a trend expected to continue in response to future climate change, and one which could negatively impact trees and degrade the forest structure, according to Australian researchers. The study looked at the growth and reproduction of a type of woody vine called lianas and found that these vines' reproduction rose with higher temperatures and reduced rainfall, and that flowering and fruiting increased following El Niño events. The authors say these results suggest that the vines' reproduction and abundance are likely to increase with climate change which could impact the survival, growth, and reproduction of resident trees and thus the overall health of Australian tropical rainforests.