First report of three Solanum species in Morocco
During surveys conducted between 2018 and 2023, three alien species of Solanum were first recorded in Morocco.
Solanum abutiloides is native to Argentina and Bolivia. It is introduced to the EPPO region in Austria and the Canary Islands (ES). In Morocco, three individual plants were found in a ruderal habitat south-east of Rabat. The pathway of introduction of S. abutiloides in Morocco remains unknown though it is suggested that migratory birds may spread the species.
Solanum bonariense is native to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. It has been introduced to the EPPO region (e.g. Algeria, the Balearic Islands (ES), the Canary Islands (ES), Italy, Spain (mainland) and Tunisia). In Morocco, patches of S. bonariense (up to 150 individuals covering a 100 m strip) were found on the banks of Lake Sidi Boughaba. The current population is probably a result of propagules escaping from planted individuals.
Solanum nitidibaccatum is native to South America and is recorded as an alien species in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. It was discovered in the Oriental High-Atlas region of Morocco at two locations. The first is in the Imilchil region, where a small population of approximately 10 individuals were found growing alongside cultivated crops. The second, was found in the Boutaghrar region, near the River M’goun, where a single population comprised of four individuals was found. Potentially, the species entered Morocco as a seed contaminant of an annual crop.
Sources
Khamar H, Dallahi Y, Homrani Bakali A (2024) New records of three alien Solanum species in Morocco. Check List 20(2), 544–552.