Kudzu vine (Pueraria montana var. lobata, Fabaceae): Invasive alien species of Union concern (EU Regulation 1143/2014) in Croatia

Abstract

Kudzu vine (Pueraria montana var. lobata; Fabaceae) was included on the list of invasive alien species of (European) Union concern in 2016, according to EU Regulation 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. In the Flora Croatica Database this species is recorded under its synonym Pueraria thunbergiana Benth. for Split (Central Dalmatia), so its presence in Croatia was overlooked until it was discovered in Malinska on the island of Krk in August 2018. Recent field observations confirm that, in addition to Malinska, it is also present in Šestanovac (Central Dalmatia), the Trsteno Arboretum and in Dubrovnik (South Dalmatia). Localities in Gradac and Seget (Central Dalmatia) were also recently discovered. Literature and herbaria data as well as internet resources indicate that kudzu vine has been historically grown as an ornamental species in Croatia. Considering its invasiveness as reported in several countries and its ornamental uses, other unknown localities of cultivated or naturalized kudzu vine could exist along the Croatian coast.