A Note on the Current Distribution of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia (Solanaceae) in the United Arab Emirates

摘要

Present study describes the current distribution of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viviani in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Early in 2003, it was recorded only once in the UAE, but presently it was found growing in different places in the country. It has been observed at two more locations in the UAE after a gap of 12 years from the first report. It is, however, possible that N. plumbaginifolia grows at other sites in the UAE, for which continuous surveys are underway. Based on its invasive nature and fast colonisation properties, there is a strong possibility that this species may naturalise and become a potential alien weed. The noticeable increase in the population size, since last few years warrants attention for its potential spread, as a weed, in farms and disturbed sites in the UAE.