Taxonomic Evaluation of Hedera crebrescens: A Potentially Invasive Ivy in Central Europe

Enikő Ibolya Major,Márta Bényei-Himmer,Mária Höhn,Endre György Tóth

doi:10.5586/asbp.8935

Enikő Ibolya Major, Márta Bényei-Himmer + Show 2 more

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Although Hedera helix is the only native ivy distributed in Central Europe, other ivy species are cultivated in this region and have horticultural importance, including H. hibernica, H. colchica, and H. azorica. On the basis of morphological, cytological, and phenological studies, a newly identified diploid species of ivy, H. crebrescens Bényei-Himmer &amp; Höhn, was recently described from Hungary. Due to its high reproductive capacity and vigorous growth, this species can be considered a potentially invasive plant that could readily supplant H. helix in its native habitats. To characterize the molecular taxonomic status of H. crebrescens, we conducted a molecular genetic analysis based on five chloroplast and one nuclear DNA regions. Our phylogenetic reconstruction supported the monophyly of Hedera, with a tree topology similar to that previously obtained based on phylogenetic cpDNA analyses. Mediterranean species of ivy were well separated from the remainder of the European species, as well as from Asian species. Hedera crebrescens represented a single independent haplotype within the Asian–European cluster, whereas H. helix proved to be polyphyletic. The detected species-specific haplotype and invariability among studied specimens obtained from different geographical locations, provide support for the taxonomical autonomy of H. crebrescens.

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One of the most substantial threats to the terrestrial ecosystems is the rapid decline in biodiversity, which has become a important focus of nature conservation initiatives
Several studies (Ackerfield & Wen, 2003; Green et al, 2011; Grivet & Petit, 2002; Valcárcel et al, 2003, 2017; Valcárcel & Vargas, 2012; Vargas et al, 1999) conducted in recent decades have examined the phylogeny of the genus Hedera, certain lineages have remained insufficiently well clarified
It is assumed that Central European taxa preserve imprints of the eastern genetic lineage, whereas H. helix has further extended its distribution toward the Mediterranean, where mixing of genetic lineages has occurred

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One of the most substantial threats to the terrestrial ecosystems is the rapid decline in biodiversity, which has become a important focus of nature conservation initiatives. In this regard, invasive species are considered among the most prominent causes of biodiversity loss, second only to habitat destruction or transformation. Invaded ecosystems are typically damaged to varying degrees by non-native species via changes in species diversity and community structures. Non-native species that spread rapidly over extensive areas, and thereby threaten local biological diversity, are considered invasive species (Genovesi & Shine, 2004). By cultivating alien plants in residential and botanical gardens, humans unwittingly contribute to the spread of these plants. Breeding or hybridization in gardens can even alter the genetic make-up of species, and escaped specimens might have already undergone

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