Two Newly Record Naturalized Species in China

Abstract:

Verbena stricta Vent. (Verbenaceae) and Helianthus annuus L. (Asteraceae) are reported as the newly record naturalized species in Liaoning province, China. Verbena stricta Vent. is characterized by its stout compact spike (vs. slender), spikes solitary or in simple cymes or panicled, and greatly elongating in fruit; leaves ovate-orbicular (vs. oblong-lanceolate or bipinnatisect), sessile, which is significantly different from other species of the genus Verbena from China. The species is native to eastern and central United States, and has recently naturalized in Tieling city, Liaoning province. The sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is native to North America, which has been widely naturalized in Dalian city, also found in Bayuquan of Yingkou city. The morphological characteristics of the naturalized population are completely different from the cultivated type in this area for the copiously branched inflorescence, small capitula and achene, and highly diversified sculpture of achene outer envelope.

Key words:Verbena stricta;Helianthus annuus;Newly naturalized species;China