New distribution records of the alien plant – Sicyos angulatus L. (Cucurbitaceae) from Georgia

By

Mikeladze, Irakli
Bolkvadze, Gia

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2023-2-21

Original Publication

Caucasiana : journal on the biodiversity of the Caucasus and the adjacent regions

Volume

2

Pages

9--13

Subjects

Alien plant , Chorokhi Delta , invasive species , Kolkheti Lowland.

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

[Sofia, Bulgaria] Pensoft 2022-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/caucasiana.2.e96039

 

Abstract

The invasion of alien plants into the territory of Georgia started in ancient times and continues today. Sicyos angulatus L., a species of North American origin, is an example of such an invasion. The first established populations of S. angulatus occurrence in Georgia were observed in 2012. Since then, new localities have been recorded, both in agricultural and disturbed natural communities. The species, which has easily adapted to local soil and climatic conditions, is expanding every year and is already widely spread in west Georgia. The plant is characterized by fast and intense growth and a climbing habit using other plants as a support. In this contribution, the peculiarities of its distribution in Georgia and the morphological features and life-history characteristics of Georgian populations are provided.