Alien flora in Calabria (Southern Italy): an updated checklist

Abstract An updated checklist of the Calabrian alien vascular flora is presented. By way field, bibliographic, and herbarium research, we recorded 382 taxa (representing almost 14% all regional flora), which 371 are angiosperms, nine gymnosperms, two ferns. In relation to state spread, majority species casual (207 taxa; 54%), followed by naturalized (127; 33%) invasive (48; 13%), these last include four on list Union Concern, sensu Regulation (EU) no. 1143/2014. The most represented families Asteraceae (39 taxa) Poaceae (39). Among genera, Amaranthus (nine taxa), Prunus , Euphorbia Oxalis (seven make up those with greatest number taxa. A total 21 were reported for first time, three them new European ( Camptosema rubicundum, Musa ×paradisiaca and, only continental Europe, Ipomoea hederacea ), Italian peninsula Pelargonium graveolens, Schinus terebinthifolia ) 16 Aeonium arboreum, Asparagus asparagoides, Aspidistra elatior, Bidens sulphurea, Catalpa bignonioides, Citrus ×aurantium, Crassula ovata, Cucurbita ficifolia, Dimorphotheca ecklonis, Graptopetalum paraguayense subsp. paraguayense, Kalanchoë laxiflora, Nicotiana tabacum, Phytolacca dioica Portulaca umbraticola, Talinum paniculatum, Tecomaria capensis ). terms residence status, there 291 neophytes (76%), 73 archaeophytes (19%), 18 aliens (5%); group (45 out 48) among Concerning life forms, abundant groups therophytes (30.1%, 115 phanerophytes (29.6%, 113 taxa). Regarding habitats, 72% occur in artificial (199 taxa, 52%) agricultural habitats (75 20%). native Americas (159; 41.6%), numerous also originated Asia (76; 19.9%) Africa (56; 14.7%). introduced ornamental purposes (55%). Over past decade, Calabria have increased from 190 current While this trend could be linked some extent increasing awareness problem intensity research over recent decades, it probably due introductions resulting globalization that relentlessly affects whole planet.