Serhii Koniakin, Olena Leshcheniuk

The first record of alien species Knautia macedonica (Caprifoliaceae) in Ukraine

Abstract Knautia macedonica Griseb. is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Southeastern Europe. It is introduced in Ukraine as an ornamental species. In 2023, we first recorded a stand of this alien species outside of its primary cultivation on the territory of the archaeological monument of national importance, Khotiv Hillfort (Kyiv Region). Knautia macedonica forms a self-sustaining population. It is confined to grassy and synanthropic habitats. According to the time of introduction, Knautia macedonica is considered a neophyte, and according to the method of introduction, it should be classified as an ergasiophyte. The seeds of this species are commercially available, and the plant is used for ornamental purposes; therefore, it may continue to spread in natural and transformed habitats in Ukraine and other European countries. Thus, further monitoring of this species is required.

Doi https://doi.org/10.35513/Botlit.2025.3.3

Keywords alien species, neophytes, meadow-steppe ecosystems, Ukraine

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