The seasonal water regime and frequency of fire are the major factors determining the suitability of sites for M. quinquenervia establishment. The rate of spread of the tree increased dramatically with increased fire regime and the creation of new invasion foci resulting from natural seed dispersal. For many years M. quinquenervia caused no problems in Florida. Site and climate Southern Florida consists of a large swampy lowland region where slight changes in elevation alter the water regime which affects drainage, fire and salinity. The climate is sub-tropical with an annual rainfall of 1600 mm falling mostly between May and October.
Occasional frosts occur.
The slight difference in elevation and associated variation in water regime result in a number of vegetation types including mangroves, marshes and forests. The Florida vegetation is isolated from other sub-tropical regions of northern America and is rich in endemics but prone to invasions. Free from insect herbivory. Impact on ecosystem M. quinquenervia displaces native vegetation particularly Taxodium distichum var. Its dense canopy casts deep shade, and in association with its likely allelopathic properties, restricts ground vegetation.