Invasion of Eragrostis albensis in Central Europe: distribution patterns, taxonomy and phylogenetic insight into the Eragrostis pilosa complex

Abstract The Eragrostis pilosa complex (Poaceae) comprises five widely distributed and regionally invasive species— E. albensis , amurensis imberbis multicaulis distinguished by tiny variable morphological characters with so far unknown phylogenetic relationships. Recently, some doubts have been raised about the status of an glandular morphotype occurring in Central Europe assigned either to or . Here, we addressed this issue analysing morphology, internal transcribed spacers nuclear ribosomal DNA, inter-simple sequence repeat markers. genetic evidence supported closer relationship eglandular established Europe, than described from Asia. We propose adopt a new taxonomic treatment that includes both individuals, classify ones as var. scholziana M. Nobis & A. Wróbel nova. Currently taxon is known dozen localities lower section Oder River valley, whereas has already spread across riparian phytocenoses anthropogenic habitats. Since probably first registered records 1940s, it observed European part Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, its further invasion likely proceed. provided distribution maps concerning dynamics 1947 2020. In total, species on over 1300 far, most which were found after 2000.