First reports of Paspalum dilatatum, Solanum elaeagnifolium and Gazania rigens in Libya
Three alien plants have been observed for the first time in Libya:
- Paspalum dilatatum (Poaceae), originating from South America, this plant is often found on ornamental turf and has been observed as established (= naturalized) in Al-Bayda in Libya. In the Mediterranean Basin, it is also reported as established in Islas Canarias (ES), Egypt, Madeira (PT) and Morocco.
- Solanum elaeagnifolium (Solanaceae, EPPO A2 List) is native from the Americas and has been found as naturalized in Benghazi on a roadside and within a hotel garden near the beach in Libya. The species is also reported as established in Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia.
- Gazania rigens (Asteraceae) originates from South Africa and has also been found as transient in Benghazi at the same hotel garden (see above) in Libya. It is also known to occur, as transient (= casual) in Morocco, Madeira (PT) and Tunisia.
Sources
Véla E (2013) Notes et compléments sur quelques taxons traités dans les volumes 1 à 4. Note sur quelques xénophytes nouveaux pour la Libye. Addenda. Notes. Xénophytes. P. 372.