First report of Aeonium haworthii and Crassula ovata in Algeria
Aeonium haworthii and Crassula ovata (Crassulaceae) are both reported as new records of alien plant species in Algeria. Both species were discovered in the Skikda region (North Eastern Algeria) where they are widely cultivated succulent plants in gardens and nurseries. Both species were recorded between 2021 and 2023.
Aeonium haworthii is native to the Canary Islands (Spain) and was found at a single rock cliff location near the port of Stora. In this location, dozens of individuals were observed varying in size from 25 cm to 1 m in diameter. Stem fragments, or leaves which readily root when detached from the mother plant are likely to have been discarded into the natural environment from potted plants which are grown on balconies and terraces in the area. A. haworthii can be considered as naturalised in the region, since it has been growing in this habitat for several years (according to local information).
Crassula ovata is native to Southern Africa and was found in five locations in the Skikda region. Only a few individuals were recorded spontaneously growing in urban areas and therefore it should be considered as a casual alien species. Individuals were up to 90 cm in height.
Sources
Sakhraoui N, Boudries A, Hadef A, Verloove F, Essl F (2023) Aeonium haworthii Webb & Berthel. and Crassula ovata (Mill.) Druce (Crassulaceae): New records for the Algerian alien flora. BioInvasions Records 12(4), 919–930. https://doi.org/10.3391/bir.2023.12.4.05