Murray State University

Taxonomical and Ecological Patterns of Non-native Vascular Plants of Kentucky

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Murray State University

Abstract

Taxonomic and ecological patterns of non-native vascular plants of Kentucky are presented. It is concluded that there are a total of 540 non-native species found among 85 families and 39 orders in the flora. Most non-native species are introduced either from Europe or Asia mainly due to the history of human colonization and global trade and travel. Taxonomic heterogeneity is found at both family and genus levels. Asteraceae (Aster family) and Poaceae (Grass family) are the largest families in the Kentucky flora, which contribute 28% of the total numbers of non-native species. The results also suggest that species traits in morphology, life history, and ecology play a major role in the processes of naturalization and invasion. The patterns of species distribution indicate that the occurrence of invasive plants throughout the state are highly associated with anthropogenic disturbances. The study provides pertinent information for plant invasion research and conservation management.

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Taxonomical and Ecological Patterns of Non-native Vascular Plants of Kentucky

Taxonomic and ecological patterns of non-native vascular plants of Kentucky are presented. It is concluded that there are a total of 540 non-native species found among 85 families and 39 orders in the flora. Most non-native species are introduced either from Europe or Asia mainly due to the history of human colonization and global trade and travel. Taxonomic heterogeneity is found at both family and genus levels. Asteraceae (Aster family) and Poaceae (Grass family) are the largest families in the Kentucky flora, which contribute 28% of the total numbers of non-native species. The results also suggest that species traits in morphology, life history, and ecology play a major role in the processes of naturalization and invasion. The patterns of species distribution indicate that the occurrence of invasive plants throughout the state are highly associated with anthropogenic disturbances. The study provides pertinent information for plant invasion research and conservation management.