First report of Cenchrus spinifex in Croatia
Cenchrus spinifex (Poaceae - EPPO Observation List) is native to the Americas and is present in several EPPO countries in both established and casual populations. C. spinifex spreads via its seeds which are barbed and can become attached to livestock, small mammals, and clothes of hikers, used machinery and equipment and as a contaminant of soil. C. spinifex can have a negative impact on the soil nutrient cycling and it can negatively impact the soil microbiota. It can grow in cultivated fields and abandoned cropland but there is currently no information on negative impacts on agriculture. It can invade sandy soils, including sand dunes and can alter the habitat. In Croatia, C. spinifex has previously been misidentified, and all records were attributed to C. longispinus (EPPO Observation List). In 2023, C. spinifex was identified from a natural habitat in the Pelješac peninsula on the Eastern Adriatic coast of Southern Croatia. This is the first confirmed record of the species in Croatia. In total, approximately 40 individuals were found covering an area of approximately 200 m2. In this area, C. spinifex was found in two unkept gardens with several mature olive trees on more or less sandy soil. In addition, plants were spreading in the neighbouring areas along the local road and the plants have been present in this area for about five years. In neighbouring countries, C. spinifex has also been found in ruderal habitats near the coast.
Sources
Dolina K, Jasprica N, Verloove F (2024) Cenchrus spinifex – a new grass species from Croatia. Natura Croatica 33, 207-212.