First finding of an unusual population of Alternanthera in Sicily and considerations on its morphological peculiarities, ecological requirements, and potential invasiveness

Abstract

An unusual population of Alternanthera was discovered in the South-Eastern part of Sicily. In this paper, we analyze the morphological features of the collected specimens and the ecological features of the community in which they were found. Also, we discuss the taxonomic criticality of the genus and assess the risk that the new finding may become invasive. The species found is a new floristic record for the flora of both Italy and Europe. However, due to the taxonomic criticalities of the whole genus, specific identification cannot be given for certain, and further investigations are needed.

Keywords

• Alternanthera
• alien species
• Sicily
• Taxonomic criticality
• Ecology
• potential invasiveness