Dense Cover, but Not Allelopathic Potential, of Naturalized Alien Cenchrus echinatus L. Threatens the Native Species in Urban Vegetation

Abstract

Exotic plants usually exhibit problems for native species where they coexist. This study evaluated the effect of naturalized alien Cenchrus echinatus 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 C. echinatus 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 C. echinatus 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 C. echinatus 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.

Keywords: Cenchrus echinatus; allelopathy; floristic diversity; naturalized alien species; urban ecology; weeds.

Figure 1

Measured diversity indices (Mean ± SE) in relation to the different densities (%) of C. echinatus. Density at 0 value represents Cenchrus-free stands. * Significant result from Cenchrus-free stands at p < 0.05. ** Significant result from Cenchrus-free stands at p < 0.01.

Figure 2

Germination (%) and the measured growth criteria (Mean, bars represent standard errors) of the selected target species associated with C. echinatus when planted in Cenchrus-infested and Cenchrus-free soils.