Predictive models of aboveground plant biomass derived from nondestructive measurements greatly assist in monitoring and surveying natural areas. Where invasive species are concerned, these models can provide insights to the impacts of invasions and efficacy of management strategies. Furthermore, tools that facilitate a rapid inventory allow for multiple assessments of impact over larger areas. Downy rose myrtle [Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk.] is an invasive shrub in Florida and Hawaii that is native to southeastern Asia. Rhodomyrtus tomentosa was imported into Florida in the early 20th century through the ornamental plant trade and produces pink flowers and edible purple globe fruits. This woody shrub is particularly problematic in the understory of Florida’s mesic pine forests, where it forms dense, impenetrable thickets. To characterize the populations more accurately in Florida and build predictive equations for biomass that could be used to inform control methods, we established a network of sites from which we harvested individuals over 3 yr. Based on these measurements, we built a simple predictive equation for R. tomentosa dry biomass. Crown area strongly associates with biomass in a linear relationship (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.82). Fruit production is highly variable, but positively correlates to plant height in individuals that have reached reproductive size (plants below 1 m generally do not produce fruit), albeit weakly (P < 0.002, R2 = 0.27). We demonstrate here that two simple measurements—height and crown area—can accurately predict biomass and, to some degree, fruit production for R. tomentosa in Florida and may guide control methods by focusing on removing individuals larger than 1 m tall.

从无损测量得出的地上植物生物量预测模型极大地有助于监测和调查自然区域。在涉及入侵物种的情况下，这些模型可以为入侵的影响和管理策略的有效性提供见解。此外，促进快速清点的工具允许对更大区域的影响进行多重评估。绒毛桃金娘 [ Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk.] 是佛罗里达和夏威夷的一种侵入性灌木，原产于东南亚。红桃20世纪初通过观赏植物贸易进口到佛罗里达州，生产粉红色的花朵和可食用的紫球果。这种木本灌木在佛罗里达州松树林的下层特别成问题，它在那里形成茂密、难以穿透的灌木丛。为了更准确地描述佛罗里达州的种群并建立可用于为控制方法提供信息的生物量预测方程，我们建立了一个站点网络，我们从中收获了 3 年多的个体。基于这些测量，我们建立了一个简单的毛白毛干生物量预测方程。冠面积与生物量呈线性关系密切相关（P < 0.001，R 2= 0.82)。果实产量变化很大，但与达到生殖大小的个体的株高呈正相关（低于 1 m 的植物通常不产生果实），尽管变化不大（P < 0.002，R 2 = 0.27）。我们在这里证明了两个简单的测量——高度和树冠面积——可以准确地预测生物量，并在一定程度上预测佛罗里达州毛白粉病的果实产量，并且可以通过专注于去除身高超过 1 m 的个体来指导控制方法。