engleski

First record of Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae) in Croatia, with the consideration of possible introduction pathways

Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae) is South American (or pan-tropical) free-floating, aquatic macrophyte, present on all continents, except Antarctica, today. In Europe it occurs casually in many countries, but it has established populations only in thermally abnormal waters in Slovenia, France and Germany. In the present study the first record of the species in Croatia is reported. It was recorded during autumn (September and November) of 2017 on several microlocalities on two lakes in the Sava-Strmec Special reserve (Zagreb County). On each microlocality several small colonies were found. All colonies consisted of a mother plant with attached daughter plants of different sizes, which would mean that the species was vegetatively reproducing on the site during the season. Flowers were not observed. Although the exact introduction pathway is not known, several possible pathways are taken into consideration and discussed. For now, the species should be treated as a casual alien species in Croatia.

alien species, casual alien plant, Croatia, flora, water lettuce

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