First report of Furcraea hexapetala in Morocco
Furcraea hexapetala (Asparagaceae) is a plant native to Central America and is a popular ornamental species in many regions of the world. Botanical surveys were conducted between January and September 2025 in the Tangier region (northern Morocco). A small, naturalised population of F. hexapetala was recorded along coastal slopes in the Cap Spartel forest, west of Tangier. Another occurrence was found near Rabat, along the arboretum of Oued Cherrat. It appears that these populations were initially introduced through past plantings, subsequently abandoned, and is now undergoing natural expansion. In Morocco, flowering occurs in February to March and August to September. Bulbils are formed in April to September and October to January. F. hexapetala is reported as invasive in the Galápagos Islands (Ecuador), where it can form dense stands which have the potential to outcompete native plant species.
Sources
Bakali AH, Khamar H, Verloove F (2026) Furcraea hexapetala (Asparagaceae, Agavoideae), a naturalised species new to the flora of Morocco. Bradleya 44, 152-162. https://doi.org/10.25223/brad.n44.2026.a16