Cuscuta campestris Yunck (Convolvulaceae) as naturalized plant in Madeira Island (Portugal)

Abstract

Cuscuta campestris Yunck (Convolvulaceae) is reported for the first time as naturalised in the island of Madeira (Portugal). This plant was found parasitising the natives Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) C. H. Stirt., fully flowering and fructifying. This North American dodder, already spread in many parts of the world, can prove to be not only a problem for several native and endemic plants, including many Fabaceae, but also an agricultural problem since its ability to parasitise many cultures is well known.