Strelitzia nicolaii regel & körn. (strelitziaceae), a casual alien plant new to Northern Hemisphere

Abstract

The ongoing naturalization of the blue giant paradise bird tree, Strelitzia nicolaii, is here reported for the first time for NW Sicily (Italy). Native to SE Africa, this ornamental plant was locally introduced around mid XIX century. During last two decades the first cases of pollination and dispersal have been recorded, and within last 10 years several individuals were able to establish in abandoned Citrus orchards or in private gardens subject to moderate soil management.