Opuntia macrorhiza Engelm.: a new record of an invasive alien species in the flora of Turkey

Abstract

Opuntia macrorhiza (Cactaceae) was first found in Turkey in 2020 during floristic surveys in the Boyabat district of the Sinop province and in the Cide district of the Kastamonu province. We provide an identification key to distinguish it from Opuntia ficus-indica, a morphological description, as well as some basic information on invaded habitat and potential threats. Considering the traits of this new alien plant, allowing for rapid reproduction, and spread, it is expected it might invade further land without adequate interventions.