Tridax procumbens L. (Asterales Asteraceae), a new record to the flora of the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Tridax procumbens L. (1753), recently collected from the mountain area in Masafi of Fujairah emirate, is recorded as a new alien plant for the flora of United Arab Emirates (UAE). With this discovery, Tridax is also added as a new genus to the country’s flora. T. procumbens is a weed that is native to the tropical and subtropical Americas and naturalized in many other coun- tries as it can grow under a wide range of environmental conditions. This plant is locally of considerable medicinal importance in many countries as it can be used for the treatment of many diseases. Description, distribution, and photographs of this taxa, along with a distribution map, is presented. Herbarium and seed specimens of T. procumbens were deposited in the Shar- jah Seed Bank and Herbarium (SSBH) of Sharjah Research Academy, UAE. The way of intro- duction of T. procumbens and time of its arrival in the UAE remains unknown. A more detailed study of the extent of the range of this species, its densities, and regeneration potential is sug- gested in the near future. The reports of new plant records to the flora highlight the importance of thorough botanical exploration in the country. Such botanical recording would be beneficial to nature conservationists and researchers alike.