“Planta Hortifuga” in Flora of the Continental Part of Croatia

Th e term “planta hortifuga“ refers to all cultivated plant species that have escaped from cultivation and grow spontaneously in diff erent natural, semi-natural or manmade habitats. List of “planta hortifuga” (Tab.1) consists of 120 taxa. Traits are given for each species: Raunkiaer’s life-form groups, taxonomic rank (family and species), geographical origin, use value, invaded habitat, invasive behavior and harm impact, where it is evident. Only a few species of “planta hortifuga” have reached a high degree of the naturalization and realize up to now in places dramatically increasing in distribution and density. Such invasive species are the americanophytes: Asclepias syriaca, Helianthus tuberosus, Solidago spp., Echinocystis lobata, Amorpha fruticosa and Robinia pseudacacia; then Asiatic species: Impatiens spp., Reynoutria japonica and Ailanthus altissima. Th ese are a threat to the survival of autochthonous plants and the stability of communities. From an agronomical point of view particularly dangerous species are: Echinocystis lobata, Panicum capillare, P. miliaceum ssp. agricolum, and Abutilon theophrasti. Th e species Amorpha fruticosa and Robinia pseudacacia have caused the harm in forestry while the species Amorpha fruticosa has coused harm in drainage systems. Th e species of plants that are harmful to human health are: Rhus typhina, Asclepias syriaca, Solidago spp., Robinia pseudacacia, Wistaria sinensis, Ailanthus altissima and Artemisia absinthium. Plant species Asclepias syriaca, Robinia pseudacacia and Ailanthus altissima may be harmful to animals. Results of this investigation may be used for assesing the risk of spreading cultivated plants out of their places of cultivation. Th ese results illustrate why it is necessary to pay attention to appearance of cultivated species out of their place of the cultivation.