Atriplex semilunaris in the Canary Islands (ES)
Atriplex semilunaris (Amaranthaceae) is native to Australia and has been recorded as an invasive alien plant in the Canary Islands (ES). It was first recorded on the island of Fuerteventura in 2003, and in 2009 it was reported as a transformer species in the areas where it is widespread. It occupies over 300 km2 mostly along the eastern part of the island. In Lanzarote Island, it has a similar behaviour and is widespread. Recently, A. semilunaris has been reported from the islands of Tenerife (2022) and Gran Canaria (2023). In all four islands, A. semilunaris is found in disturbed habitats including semi-urban habitats and along roadsides. As the species produces a large amount of seed, further spread is predicted potentially into natural habitats. The pathway for movement between the islands is not known but it is suggested that A. semilunaris is introduced as a contaminant in soil and other building materials. Apart from the Canary Islands, A. semilunaris has not become established anywhere else in the world outside of Australia. It has been reported as a transient species, introduced into Europe as a contaminant of wool. Several other invasive alien species which are invasive in the Canary Islands have been detected in North Africa and there is the potential for a similar movement for A. semilunaris. If A. semilunaris were to establish in North Africa, widespread expansion would be possible.
Sources
Verloove F, Padrón-Mederos MA, Pascual MS, Reyes-Betancort JA (2025) First records of the Australian invasive weed Atriplex semilunaris Aellen (Amaranthaceae s.l.) in Gran Canaria and Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). BioInvasions Records 14(1), 1–12, https://doi.org/10.3391/bir.2025.14.1.01