Effects of the invasive Hedychium gardnerianum on the diversity of native vegetation species in Bvumba Mountains, Zimbabwe.

Wild ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum) poses a threat to biodiversity conservation because of its high competition for nutrients, water and light. This study aimed at assessing the effects of the H. gardnerianum on native vegetation species in the Bvumba Mountains, Zimbabwe. A purposive random sampling technique was adopted to sample 24 sites. The results show that there was a significant difference between plant species diversity in uninvaded compared to invaded sites with (P < 0.05). The study concluded that there is a need to develop and implement an invasive species management programme for H. gardnerianum for both protected and communal areas before high species losses occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]