First report of Amaranthus spinosus in Tunisia
Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) is reported as a new alien species for the flora of Tunisia. The species is native to the tropical region of the Americas, and is naturalised throughout other regions of the tropics. The species is widespread throughout China. In the EPPO region, A. spinosus has been recorded as a casual species in several countries, and in Spain it is reported as invasive. A. spinosus is an annual plant and a prolific seed producer where each plant can produce over 200 000 seeds which are dispersed by wind, water and animals. In Tunisia, A. spinosus has been identified between 2012 – 2016, occurring along roadsides, public gardens and cultivated areas between 6 – 41 metres above sea level. In total, four populations were found in Bizerta, Bir Bouregba, Hammamet and Nabeul, where in the case of the latter, the largest population covers 25 m2. The authors of the current study consider the four populations are casual occurrences at present in Tunisia.
Sources
Iamonico D, El Mokni R (2018) A new addition to the alien flora of Tunisia, Amaranthus spinosus L. (Amaranthaceae s.l.), with notes on A. diacanthus Raf. Acta Botanica Croatica, DOI: 10.2478/botcro-2018-0009.