Ehrharta erecta Lam.

Verloove, Filip, Gonçalves Silva, Juan J. & Leliaert, Frederik, 2024, Critical notes on grasses (Poaceae) of Madeira, Portugal, Phytotaxa 670 (1), pp. 1-17 : 12

Ehrharta erecta Lam.

This South African weed is a recent introduction in the island of Madeira from where it has been known since 2019 ( Gonçalves Silva & Ferreira 2020). Back then, it was reported from Porto da Cruz, Funchal, Santa Cruz, Machico and Ponta Delgada. In 2021 and 2022, the massive presence and spread of this invasive species was confirmed. In addition to the areas from where it was already known, it was also observed in, among others, Ponta do Sol, Porto Moniz, São Vicente, Santo António da Serra, São Jorge, Faial and Serra de Água. In few years’ time, Ehrharta erecta has invaded almost all lowland areas, except perhaps in the extreme western part of the island. Moreover, the species has also started to intrude inland localities, some of which are located above 500 m a.s.l. Ehrharta erecta is considered to be some of the most invasive species worldwide ( Stinca & Mei 2019).