Distribution pattern and rating of alien invasive plants in Anhui Province

The regional study of alien invasive plants and their categorization have important guiding significance for local governments in the management and control of such plants. We conducted a comprehensive survey of alien invasive plants in Anhui Province from 2013 to 2015 based on literature reports, specimen records, and taxonomic research. The species composition, life form, original locality, floristic composition, and horizontal distribution patterns of alien invasive plants in Anhui Province were analyzed, and their invasion levels were also rated. Results showed a total of 132 species of invasive plant species in Anhui Province. These plants showed diversified species, with a high proportion of American and Pan-tropical origin, high proportion of hazardous species, significant regional differentiation, and similar invasion pathways. We proposed that the prevention and control of alien invasive plants should pay considerable attention to plants originating from America and Pan-tropical genera and hotspots with frequent human activities. In addition, current deficiencies in the study of alien invasive plants in China are discussed, and several noteworthy and long overlooked issues about the cognition of alien invasive species are clarified.