Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng.) less. (asteraceae), another potentially invasive alien species in europe

Abstract

Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng.) Less., native to South America (Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina), is reported for the first time as a naturalized alien species from Europe (near Porto; Portugal). The species’ taxonomy and nomenclature were analysed based on literature data. Its ecology, habitat, biology and possible vector of introduction are discussed. As a necessary step towards a risk assessment, the suitability of European climates for the species’ settlement was analysed. Fourteen countries with suitable climatic conditions appeared in all our models: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom (England). Given the ecological characteristics of the species and the climatic features of the areas analysed, it is concluded that S. brasiliensis exhibits a great potential to become an invasive alien in Europe.