First report of Euphorbia hypericifolia in Tunisia
Euphorbia hypericifolia (Euphorbiaceae) is native to the Americas. It is reported to be invasive in the Pacific Islands and Hawaii (USA). It is also recorded as an alien species in Singapore and Taiwan. E. hypericifolia is reported to be a major weed in sugarcane and soybean crops in Peru and a weed in coffee crops in Puerto Rico. In Guam, it has been reported to have negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems. In Tunisia, E. hypericifolia is considered naturalized. It is found in the northeast of the country in areas around nurseries and ruderal habitats including railway stations. E. hypericifolia is reported from the following governorates: Bizerta (in northeastern Tunisia), Tabarka (in northwestern Tunisia, and Monastir (in central Tunisia). The introduction of E. hypericifolia into Tunisia is thought to have been unintentional, most likely as a contaminant of ornamental potted plants. Once introduced, E. hypericifolia can spread rapidly along watercourses via seed. It has a fast growth rate, reproductive capacity, and adaptation potential, enabling it to become naturalised in new areas. Populations of E. hypericifolia in North Africa should be controlled to prevent further spread and associated negative impacts.
Sources
El Mokni R (2025) Studies on the genus Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) in North Africa: First records of the invasive weed Euphorbia hypericifolia (E. subsect. Hypericifoliae Boiss.) in Tunisia. Flora Mediterranea 35, 127-133. https://doi.org/10.7320/FlMedit35.127