engleski

Invasive potential of goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm., Sapindaceae) - a case study from the City of Zagreb

Goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm., Sapindaceae) is a neophyte deliberately introduced to Europe from eastern Asia. It has been used as ornamental tree in urban parks in Croatia for several decades. Due to the fact that its invasiveness was observed in several European countries (e.g. FYR Macedonia, Bulgaria) its invasive potential was studied in the City of Zagreb. More than 10 different localities with almost 70 cultivated goldenrain trees were visited during July, August and September of 2016, the diameter at breast height (DBH) of recorded trees was determined and it was noted if they fructified. The number of seedlings and their height (< 10 cm, 10-50 cm, 50-100 cm, 100-200 cm and > 200 cm) was determined at different distances (< 5 m, 5-10 m, > 10 m) from each planted tree. Furthermore, occupied habitat of seedlings was also noted (lawn, hedges/bushes, crevices/edges). The results have shown that goldenrain trees produce seedlings which grow at different distances from parent trees and in all observed habitats. However, the most numerous seedlings were recorded in hedges/bushes if this habitat was present in the vicinity of goldenrain tree. All these results imply that goldenrain tree is potentially invasive species.

alien plant species, escape from cultivation, horticulture, naturalization, potentially invasive species

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