https://doi.org/10.4081/nhs.2026.940
New additions to the alien flora of Italy: Paspalum flavescens (Roseng., B.R.Arrill. & Izag.) P.R.Speranza & G.H.Rua and Paspalum inconstans Chase (Poaceae: Panicoideae)
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Published: 2 July 2026
Authors report the presence in Italy of two new South American species of the genus Paspalum (Poaceae) joining 8 species from the same origin + 1 from temperate East Asia. As regards the Poaceae family, the genus in question is undoubtedly the most represented in the non-native contingent of Italian flora, showing a strong predisposition to extra patriam diaspora and a high receptivity by Italian soil due to a great climatic diversity. P. flavescens (from the P. dilatatum species complex) is a 14-year-old collection from Pozzallo coast (Sicily, Ragusa province), while P. inconstans is a recent find from Vercelli (Piedmont). About the causes of a so frequent South American Paspalum species occurrence, two possibilities are outlined: 1) grassing with unselected seed from international trade containing disseminules of a wide variety of sources; 2) involuntary transfer from overseas related to Latin American immigration.
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