First report of Andropogon abyssinicus in the Canary Islands (Spain)
The genus Andropogon (Poaceae) contain approximately 130 grass species mainly native to Africa and the Americas. The genus contains a number of economically important pasture species, ornamentals, and invasive species, e.g. A. virginicus (EPPO A2 List). In 2011, a population of Andropogon was discovered on the island of La Palma (Spain) and subsequently identified as A. distachyos, a species which is considered possibly native to the island. However, following recent molecular research and further field work, these plants were identified as A. abyssinicus, a species native to eastern Africa. In La Palma, A. abyssinicus occurs in the east of the island at altitudes between 200 and 270 m a.s.l. and is found along road embankments, in wooded areas and agricultural areas. The pathway of introduction is not known. It may have been introduced as an experimental pasture grass, a lawn grass (as pure seed or as a contaminant) or as a contaminant of grain.
Sources
Verloove F, Leliaert F, Gregor T, Otto R (2024) Andropogon abyssinicus R. Br. ex Fresen. (Andropogoneae, Panicoideae, Poaceae), another cryptic invader in La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain). BioInvasions Records 13(4), 871-889. https://doi.org/10.3391/bir.2024.13.4.03.