A new record of Solanum chenopodioides (Solanaceae), from Iran, Bujagh National Park (Guilan Province)

Abstract

Solanum chenopodioides is introduced here as a new record for the flora of Iran from the coastal areas of the Caspian Sea, Guilan province. This species grows in Bujagh National Land-Sea Park, on sand dunes, along with other coastal psammophytic plants. This species belongs to the Morelloid clade. It differs from the related species S. nigrum, by its shrubby nature, perfect leaves margin, dull berries, bi-colored petals in the middle, and peduncle that bends a bit downwards in fruit. This plant is native to southern South America. It is introduced as a common weed all over the world; in addition, this species is considered an alien species for the flora of Iran. Transit of goods, especially wool, to the different parts of the world is one of the ways of the spread of this species all over the world. In addition to providing some pictures of the plant, some notes about the distribution and ecology of this species were also provided in this paper. The numerous reports of alien species from Bujagh National Park in recent years could be regarded as a credible warning for the stability of native vegetation of the area and existing ecosystems.

Keywords

• alien species
• coastal flora
• invasive species
• nightshades
• north of iran