New records of non-native plants in Tenerife (Spain)
New floristic surveys in Tenerife (Islas Canarias, Spain) have resulted in new records for the island.
Bacopa monnieri (Plantaginaceae)
Bacopa monnieri is a perennial species which has a pantropical native range. Two patches of B. monnieri were found growing as a lawn weed in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Additional populations were observed in abundance along the margins of an artificial pond in Parque de La Vega (La Laguna). B. monnieri can show invasive tendencies and is considered invasive in Portugal and Spain. This is the first record for the Islas Canarias.
Brassica fruticulosa (Brassicaceae)
Brassica fruticulosa is native to the EPPO region and recorded as established in the USA (California) and Australia where it can form dense stands in natural habitats. In Tenerife, it is recorded along roadsides where it is abundant at one site. This is the first record for the Canary Islands.
Crassula alata (Crassulaceae)
Crassula alata is an annual species native to Africa and parts of the EPPO region and is reported as an invasive species in Australia and New Zealand. In Tenerife it was originally identified as C. tillaea in 1998. This is the first record (under the correct name) for the Islas Canarias.
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (Araliaceae)
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides is native to Africa, Asia and Oceania and is reported as an alien species in Belgium. It is reported in Tenerife from the gardens of La Orotava where it is abundant but confined. This is the first record for Tenerife.
Hyparrhenia anthistirioides (Poaceae)
Hyparrhenia anthistirioides is an annual species of grass native to tropical East Africa. It has been reported as a contaminant of birdseed outside of its native range. In Tenerife, only a small number of individuals were found, indicating a recent introduction. This is the first record for Tenerife.
Momordica charantia (Cucurbitaceae)
Momordica charantia is native to Africa, Asia and Oceania and is cultivated for its fruit. In some regions of the world, when it escapes cultivation it can become invasive. In Tenerife it has been found growing close to a banana plantation near a residential area. This is the first record for Tenerife.
Nephrolepis biserrata (Polypodiaceae)
Nephrolepis biserrate is a pantropical fern which is utilised in horticulture. It is an invasive species in some islands in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. This is the first record in the natural environment in the Islas Canarias.
Rotheca myricoides (Lamiaceae)
Rotheca myricoides is native to Africa and utilised in horticulture. It is reported as invasive in a number of regions globally. In Tenerife, a small number of individuals (including seedlings) were recorded in the natural environment close to an individual growing in a garden. This is the first record for Tenerife.
Sources
Verloove F, Reyes-Betancort JA (2026) Emerging elements in the alien flora of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain): new records and invasion risks. Check List 22 (1): 75–90. https://doi.org/10.15560/22.1.75