Key to the invasive terrestrial plants in Europe
Introduction
This key helps to identify the major invasive terrestrial plants in NW Europe. Invasive are those species that pose a threat to the biodiversity of the ecoregion. Species included are both those that already are known to be invasive in this region, as well as species known to be invasive elsewhere in comparable climatic regions. Moreover, look-alikes are included to distinguish closely related taxa. A total of 140 species is included. All features are illustrated with botanical drawings so that no knowledge of botanical terms is needed, basic knowledge of plant morphology, however, is helpful. The keys link to complete species descriptions on the Q-bank – Plants website. All species are well illustrated by photographs showing distinguishing characteristics or invaded sites. The key is regularly updated with new species and new photographs. Species that are imported in Europe as weeds in potplants are treated in a separate key. This key is also available in French and Dutch.
EPPO-Q-bank
EPPO-Q-bank covers the following organism groups that contain quarantine organisms:
- Fungi
- Bacteria
- Invasive Plants
- Nematodes
- Arthropods
- Phytoplasma’s
- Viruses and viroids
The databases are managed by EPPO – the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization and curated by internationally known specialists and contain specimen-based information including molecular data. The website offers the possibility to blast, in single- or multi-locus mode, sequences for identification.
Key Author(s): H. Duistermaat, E. Boer, J. van Valkenburg, Hortus Botanicus Leiden.
Key Publisher: Lucidcentral.org
Key Version: June 2017