Five records of new and rare alien species to the flora of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

A recent study identifies five alien plant species previously unknown or extremely rare in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Chenopodium ficifolium, Acalypha indica, Euphorbia maculata, Gamochaeta pensylvanica, and Verbesina encelioides. Notably, some of these species were recorded for the first time in Fujairah Emirate, expanding their known distribution in the region. The research provides detailed taxonomic information, habitat preferences, and spatial distribution data for each species, along with key identification remarks to differentiate them from similar taxa. Euphorbia maculata was found exclusively in two specific locations, while Chenopodium ficifolium and Acalypha indica were documented in nurseries and plant markets. Gamochaeta pensylvanica and Verbesina encelioides are particularly rare in the UAE, with the latter naturalized in Khor-Fakkan (Sharjah). Herbarium specimens were deposited in institutions including the Komarov Botanical Institute (LE), Altai State University (ALTB), and the Scientific Herbarium of Fujairah (FSH) at Wadi Wurayah National Park.

Byalt, V. V., & Korshunov, M. V. (2024). Five records of new and rare alien species to the flora of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Turczaninowia, 27(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.27.1.1