Expansión de Ludwigia helminthorrhiza (Onagraceae) en Cuba

Abstract

The introduction of Ludwigia helminthorrhiza (Mart.) H.Hara (Onagraceae) into Cuba, by an unknown route, as well as its successful naturalization and sustained increase in its area of occupation for over 40 years is here confirmed. The importance of the quantity and quality of its diasporas for dispersal and establishment in new territories is discussed, as well as the effectiveness of the dispersal agents. The negative impacts (difficulties in the management of aquariums, sedimentation, blocking of light entry, reduction of oxygen exchange, and displacement of native species) and the positive impacts (food for fauna and bacteria housing that reduce pollution) of the introduction of this species were identified. An alert is issued regarding the possible expansion of this species to new freshwater reservoirs in the country.