A new alien species record for the flora of Turkey: Proboscidea louisianica (Miller) Thell.

Abstract

Proboscidea louisianica (Miller) Thell. (Martyniaceae) is reported as a new alien species for the flora of Turkey. A plant species with different and interesting fruits was photographed in 2016. During a field investigation, a population of P. louisianica consisting of ca. 25 individuals was found at roadside between Biga and Karabiga town, district of Çanakkale, and plant specimens with flowers were collected in 2017. After detailed literature studies, this species was identified as Proboscidea louisianica. The family Martyniaceae is represented by just 1 genus with 1 taxa (Ibicella lutea (Lindl.) Van Eselt.) in Turkey and no member of the genus Proboscidea has been recorded before. In this paper, the species was introduced with taxonomical and morphological features. Its ecological impact was also evaluated with potential risks.