OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF SOME ALIEN SPECIES IN ROMANIA'S FLORA

Alien plant species can significantly affect the structure and functioning of natural habitats, especially under anthropogenic conditions. In this context, this study provides new information on the spread of alien plant species in the flora of Romania, including Amaranthus palmeri, Azolla filiculoides, Datura wrightii, Dittrichia graveolens, Eclipta prostrata, Erigeron sumatrensis, E. bonariensis, Euphorbia prostrata, Oenothera depressa and Paspalum distichum subsp. paucispicatum, etc. Most of these species, already naturalized in anthropically disturbed areas, affect biodiversity in natural habitats, in some cases. Some species studied show varied ecological adaptations, occupying different niches. For example, Eriochloa villosa spreads in agricultural lands, Oenothera depressa along rivers, Azolla filiculoides and Heteranthera limosa in puddles and ponds, and Amaranthus palmeri in ruderal lands associated with railways and bus stations, etc. Many of the species analysed show a tendency to expand their distribution areas in Romania. There is a lack of national-level management strategies to eradicate or control alien plant species, including those with invasive potential, thereby allowing their uncontrolled expansion. Voucher specimens collected in the field are deposited in the Herbarium of the University of Life Sciences Iasi (IASI), the Herbarium of the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, “Anastasie Fatu” Botanic Garden Iasi (IAGB), the Herbarium of the University of Craiova (CRA) or in the personal herbaria.