New records of two alien plants, <i>Juncus torreyi</i> (Juncaceae) and <i>Egeria densa</i> (Hydrocharitaceae) in Korea

Abstract

Naturalized populations of two alien plants were newly found, and we describe their morphological characteristics and habitats with photographs. One is a member of Juncaceae, <i>Juncus torreyi</i> Coville, and was newly found at a pool of a beach in Gangwon-do. This rush is native to North America and belongs to the sect. <i>Ozophyllum</i> (subgen. <i>Juncus</i>) according to certain morphological characteristics, such as its racemose inflorescence, the absence of floral bracteole, and unitubular leaves with perfect septa. <i>J. torreyi</i> is easily distinguishable from Korean rushes by its long rhizomes with swollen nodes and globular head with 25–100 flowers. Its introduction into Japan and Europe was reported, but the ecological risk associated with its over-dispersal is not known. The other alien plant is a submerged plant, <i>Egeria densa</i> Planch. (Hydrocharitaceae), which was found in streams in Gyeongsangbuk-do and ditches in the Busan-si area, both of which being in the watershed of the Nakdong River. <i>Egeria densa</i> is similar to <i>Hydrilla verticillata</i> (L.f.) Royle, which is native to Korea. However, it is distinguished from <i>H. verticillata</i> by its larger flowers and lack of overwintering organs. This alien plant is native to South America and was introduced for aquarium gardening and naturalized around the world. <i>Egeria densa</i> is treated as a malignant weed due to its asexual reproduction and rapid growth. Size changes and the number of populations of <i>E. densa</i> must be investigated.