First report of Youngia japonica in the Azores archipelago (PT)
Youngia japonica (Asteraceae) is native to Asia and was recently discovered on the Azorean island of São Miguel, Portugal. It is reported as naturalised, and invasive in many regions of the world where it can establish in ruderal habitats, cultivated fields and forest margins, but it is also able to penetrate into natural areas which have previously experienced minimal disturbance. In Hawaii and mainland United States, it is reported to invade protected natural areas. On the island of São Miguel, Y. japonica is present along roadsides, on lawns and in disturbed habitats and the area covered is noted to be increasing. Spread is facilitated by a high seed production and seed are dispersed by wind and water. In the USA, seed of Y. japonica has been reported as a contaminant of seed lots of cultivated species. Contamination of seed lots could potentially be the pathway of entry into the Azores archipelago. Action is needed to mitigate potential damage to native and agricultural ecosystems. The authors of the study note the potential for Y. japonica to invade coffee plantations in the Azores which produce small quantities of high quality Azorean coffee.
Sources
Roxo G, Silva L, Borges Silva L, Rego R, Resendes R, Moura M (2024) Early detection of Youngia japonica (L.) DC. (Asteraceae) in São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal. Invasive Plant Science Management 17, 3–8.