The ecology, management and restoration of ecological communities affected by Pittosporum undulatum Vent. across Victoria, Australia

This thesis provides a considered and comprehensive exploration of Pittosporum undulatum and its role as a native species displaying characteristics of an invader. Using Pittosporum undulatum as a model this work develops our understanding of what constitutes native and invasive species, the importance of these terms, how this has fluctuated over time and how this may change in an increasingly globalised, disturbed and climatically uncertain world. With the aim of bridging the gap between the theory and practice of restoration ecology, this thesis has explored Pittosporum undulatum, its background, reproduction, impact on ecological communities and their response following control measures.