Hovenia dulcis is a non-native species with high capacity for invasion in subtropical forest fragments. In this study we used a greenhouse experiment simulating field abiotic and biotic conditions to investigate the germination and growth to determine the mechanisms associated with the high invasion potential of this species. We evaluated the effects of abiotic factors (light) and biotic factors (litter mass and litter type) on ecophysiological parameters: germination (GR), initial establishment (RR and ER) and shoot and root growth in a greenhouse experiment. Interactions between factors were compared using GLM, to select the best model and the factors that influence each parameter evaluated. GR, RR and ER were negative influenced by light intensities, when the low intensity presents more germination and establishment of individuals than intermediate intensity. Additionally, shoot height and root length were negatively influenced by the light intensity with a higher stem elongation in low light intensities. We found no interactions between the abiotic and biotic conditions tested. However, when evaluated individually, germination, establishment and growth were better in low light conditions regardless of the litter mass and litter type. These results challenge the classification of H. dulcis as an intolerant shade species.Hovenia dulcis is a non-native species in Southern Brazil with high capacity for invasion in subtropical forest fragments. In this study we used a greenhouse experiment simulating field abiotic and biotic conditions to investigate the germination and initial growth to determine the mechanisms associated with the high invasion potential of this species. We evaluated the effects of abiotic factors (light) and biotic factors (litter mass and litter type) on demographic parameters: germination (GR), recruitment rate (RR) and establishment (ER) and initial growth traits (stem height, SH; root length, RL and root:shoot ratio, R:S) in a greenhouse experiment. Interactions between factors were compared using GLM, to select the best model and the factors that influence each parameter evaluated. GR, RR, and ER were influenced by light intensities. GR, ER and RR were higher in low light. The initial growth was influenced by light and litter quality. Higher SH and R:S ratio was observed in low light. Additionally, stem and root growth were higher in exotic litter. These results evidence the strategies of establishment and initial growth of H. dulcis in the colonization of shaded environments.
