First report of Proboscidea louisianica in Turkey
Proboscidea louisianica (Martyniaceae) is reported as a new alien species for the flora of Turkey. Specimens were collected during the flowering period in 2017 between Güleçköy and Yeniçiftlik along the roadside. The species is native to South America and Mexico and has been introduced into the EPPO region where it is naturalised in Portugal, South East Russia, France, Greece and Italy. P. louisianica is a low growing annual species which can compete with summer crops. The hard-woody fruits are curved in shape giving the species its common English name ‘common devils-claw', and these can attach to animals and aid its spread. In addition, the fruits can injure the mouth and feet of livestock. The species is also recorded as an alien species in Australia.
Sources
Sevgi E, Kizilarslan-Hançer C, Yilmaz H, Akkaya M (2017) A new alien species record for the flora of Turkey: Proboscidea louisianica (Miller) Thell. Eurasian Journal of Forest Science 5, 19-25.
EPPO Reporting Service no. 2 -2009. Num. article: 2009/039.