Does salt stress increase the ability of the exotic legume Acacia longifolia to compete with native legumes in sand dune ecosystems?

► Salt tolerance of the exotic and invasive legume A. longifolia is compared to a native legume. ► A. longifolia can germinate in the presence of high NaCl concentrations (200 mM). ► Changes in antioxidant enzymes suggest that A. longifolia is more tolerant to salinity. ► Differences in salt tolerance may partially explain the invasion ability and competitiveness of A. longifolia in sand dune habitats.