In the Canary Islands the presence of Pluchea ovalis has been confirmed on Tenerife, where it is an invasive species, mostly in the southern side of the island. This plant is spreading very fast from its introduction in the southwest (Adeje) some years ago, and at present is occupying even some protected areas. In any case, its main habitats in the mentioned island are road edges, small gorges, borders of ponds and dams, etc., but it shows a little expansion to good preserve sites also, and for this may supposes a big threat to natural vegetation.
There are seven Pluchea species known from the Arabian Peninsula and Socotra:
Pluchea arabica, P. dioscoridis, P. glutinosa, P. indica, P. obovata, P. ovalis and
P. sordida. P. ovalis has oval Leaved Camphor-Weed is a tall shrub up to 2.5 m high, erect branches which are channeled, velvety. I cam cross this species in INDIA,
Two species, Pluchea glutinosa and P. obovata, are endemic to Socotra Island.Pluchea arabica is endemic to the Arabian Peninsula. A publication by Qaiser & Lack (1986) shed light on the taxonomy of this species.Pluchea dioscoridis and P. ovalis are widespread and closely related species, which are often confused. P. dioscoridis is abundant in Egypt, Palestina, Israel, Central and E Africa and is fairly common on the Arabian Peninsula.
Pluchea indica is chiefly an Australasian species.
Hi.
Thanks for the replies.
I have the revision of Pluchea published by King-Jones (2001) in Englera (volume 23), but not the paper you mention, Imadeddin. By the way, do you have the pdf file of the publication of Qaiser & Lack (1986)? I'm interested in it.
Thanks again, and regards from the Canaries.
Hi again.
Only some lines to say that, fortunately, local authorities are dedicating time and effort to control the populations of Pluchea ovalis growing in the south of Tenerife Island. It's a hard work, and (probably) the species is impossible to eradicate from the island, but in any case we need such measures to avoid the invasion of good-preserve natural areas, especially the protected ones.
Best regards.
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