First report of Anredera cordifolia in Algeria
Anredera cordifolia (Basellaceae) is reported for the first time in Algeria. This vine is native to South America. It has been introduced into many countries as an ornamental plant where it has become invasive, particularly in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Hawaii. In the EPPO region, it is naturalized in Croatia, Greece, Italy, and invasive in Spain. It spreads by vegetative means and the stems can break into viable sections which can aid spread. In Algeria, A. cordifolia has been recorded in many localities within Skikda area. It was found in 2014 in several locations in the cities of Saleh Chebel (commune of Hamadi Krouma) and Larbi Ben M'Hidi (commune of Skikda) at the edges of gardens. At Larbi Ben M'Hidi, a large population was observed on the roadside in a ruderal habitat where it forms an extensive mat clinging to various surrounding shrubs. In 2015, to the east of the town of Skikda, another large population was recorded. The plant can be considered as naturalized in the Skikda region and it should be further monitored and controlled to avoid it becoming invasive.
Sources
Sakhraoui N, Metallaoui S, Chefrour A (2019) Naturalisation d’Anredera cordifolia (Basellaceae) en Algérie. Flora Mediterranea 29, 159-162.