First report of Salmiopuntia salmiana (Austrocylindropuntia salmiana) in Spain
Salmiopuntia salmiana (also known as Austrocylindropuntia salmiana) (Cactaceae), is native to South America and has been recorded as an invasive alien plant in South Africa. The current occurrence in Spain is located in Southern Catalonia: Montbrió del Camp, on the left bank of the Riudecanyes. Here the species is established in dry meadows, scrubland and clear pine forests in an area close to 1 hectare. Within the pine forests it occurs in low densities whereas in the other habitats it occurs in dense aggregations in open spaces. The current occurrence of the species is thought to occur as a result of discarded garden waste. However, there are no settlements close to the occurrence nor is the species a popular ornamental plant. The population has the potential to expand further as there is further suitable habitat that can be invaded, and potential corridors that can facilitate spread (roads and water courses) are a few meters from the population.
Sources
Aymerich P (2018) Salmiopuntia salmiana (Cactaceae), a new potentially invasive Cactaceae in the Mediterranean Basin, Butlletí de la Institució Catalana d’Història Natural 82, 67-68.