Naturalization of three alien plant species in Kashmir Himalaya: taxonomic and ecological aspects.

Zargar, Shabir A.; Gulzar, Ruquia; Khuroo, Anzar Ahmad; Reshi, Zafar A.; Ganie, Aijaz H.

This study reports the naturalization of three alien plant species Saponaria officinalis, Mentha suaveolens and Mentha pulegium in the Kashmir Himalaya, a region located in the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. Through quadrat sampling of various communities, we examined the co-occurrence patterns of these alien species with native plant species. Our results indicate that these alien species show positive associations with native species sharing similar traits, while displaying negative associations with other alien species in the same habitat. This selective filtering of the alien species pool within local habitats has significant ecological implications. The study provides critical taxonomic and ecological insights on these three newly naturalised alien plant species in Kashmir Himalaya. Overall, our findings underscore the taxonomic treatment of these species and importance of early invasion management interventions, which can be cost-effective and high chances of success.

INTRODUCED plants; NATIVE species; INTRODUCED species; PLANT species; PLANT invasions

Plant Biosystems, 2025, Vol 159, Issue 2, p347

1126-3504

Academic Journal

10.1080/11263504.2025.2468717