New records of invasive plants in the county of Šibenik and Knin (Croatia)
In Croatia, the town of Šibenik and its surroundings constitute an important touristic area with developed roads and railway tracks which are favourable for the entry of adventitious plants from other geographically distant regions.
New localities of the following invasive plants have been found:
- Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Asteraceae, EPPO list of invasive alien plants) is a common weed in cultivated land and on different types of ruderal habitats. It was first noted in Croatia in 1950s and then spread in the lowlands. It is now present in the localities of Skradin, Njivice, Solaris, Zablaće, Perković and Siverić.
- Artemisia verlotiorum (Asteraceae) is considered invasive in Spain (San Elorza et al., 2004), in Italy (Lazio Region, Laura Celesti-Grapow, pers. com.), in Sardegna (Giuseppe Brundu, pers. com.), in Slovenia (Nejc Jogan, pers. com.) and in the Mediterranean part of France (Jean-Marc Tison, pers. com.). In Croatia, it has been spreading in the region of central Dalmatia not only in the coastal region but in the hinterland as well.
- Solanum elaeagnifolium (Solanaceae, EPPO list of invasive alien plants) has been found in several localities, each time with a great number of specimens. This species is spreading very rapidly and is becoming a dangerous weed in the area of Šibenik.
Sources
Milović M (2001) A contribution to the knowledge of the neophytic flora of the County of Šibenik and Knin (Dalmatia, Croatia). Natura-Croatica. 10(4), 277-292.
San Elorza M, Dana Sanchez E D, Sobrino Vesperinas E, eds. (2004) Atlas de las plantas aloctonas invasoras en Espana. Direccion para la biodiversidad. Madrid, 384 pp.