Ipomoea coccinea L. (Convolvulaceae): a new introduced alien plant species in Turkey

This study reports the first record of Ipomoea coccinea L. [(Convolvulaceae), red morning glory] from Turkey. The literature review revealed that this taxon has not been recorded yet for the flora of Turkey. The species was mainly observed on the embankments along the Ardeşen-Çamlıhemşin road during 2016. It was again recorded during 2019 with a certain extension of the invaded area and a significant increase in population density. I. coccinea was observed in disturbed areas along roads, on the edges of tea plantations, in abandoned fields and in other waste lands. The rapid spread of the species in a short period of time suggests that it could become troublesome in future, if not managed. Therefore effective management strategies must be developed to halt its further spread. Modelling and risk assessment studies are needed to predict the potential spread and possible risks of the species to different ecosystems.