First report of Smilax rotundifolia in France
Smilax rotundifolia (Smilacaceae) is a woody perennial vine native to North America. It has recently been reported from the natural environment from Pian-Médoc (Gironde department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region) in France. It is reported to show invasive behaviour where it has colonized several hectares of swampy alder groves and acidic oak-hornbeam forests in the Gironde department. S. rotundifolia has the potential to negatively impact the local biodiversity of the area it invades and it may negatively impact ecosystem services, i.e. forest regeneration. In the EPPO region, S. rotundifolia is reported from Belgium, Greece, the Netherlands, and Türkiye. Throughout its range, S. rotundifolia occurs in cool forest environments, edges, clearings, and damp forest margins, preferably in sunny to partially shaded locations. The species is a pioneer species, exhibits a strong capacity for regeneration after disturbance (logging, fires). Natural spread is via seeds (which can be dispersed by birds) and by rhizomes. In the EPPO region, the native species, S. aspera can be distinguished from this invasive species as it has more rounded leaves with smoother edges compared to S. rotundifolia.
Sources
New Aquitaine Plant Biodiversity Observatory (2025) https://obv-na.fr/actualite/12113