Dense Cover, but Not Allelopathic Potential, of Naturalized Alien <i>Cenchrus echinatus</i> L. Threatens the Native Species in Urban Vegetation
2023
Mahmoud O. Hassan | Howida Y. Mohamed | Mohammad K. Okla | Bushra Hafeez Kiani | Ahmed Amro
Exotic plants usually exhibit problems for native species where they coexist. This study evaluated the effect of naturalized alien <i>Cenchrus echinatus</i> L. on native plants in urban vegetation. A field trial was conducted to assess the effect of this species on the cover and diversity of the native vegetation. The allelopathic potential of such species was examined. Sites comprising <i>C</i>. <i>echinatus</i> had a lower cover than some native species. Lower floristic diversity was observed at higher densities of this plant. The soil under this plant attained lower N, P, and K contents. This soil had no effect on the germination and growth of native species. It also comprised germinable seeds of some species which were absent from the standing vegetation. Exotic <i>C. echinatus</i> may exert negative effects on the native vegetation of the urban plant communities. A dense cover of this species may inhibit the germination of native species, leading to a reduction in their cover. Reduction in cover and diversity of native species may not be attributed to allelopathy. These results suggest that naturalized <i>C. echinatus</i> may be more competitive than the native ones, particularly at higher densities. Furthermore, it may represent a threat to the native plants in the urban vegetation.
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