Current condition and bioecological features of widespre

Abstract

Seaside Ajara, as a region with unique climatic and geographical conditions, is a favorable environment for the spread of alien plants. In recent decades, the spread of alien species has been observed in the region. Some species were not characterized by mass distribution in the past, but are now widespread.
Based on the conducted studies, 75 species of 27 families, 57 genera, are distinguished, which are widely spread in Seaside Ajara.
The families separated by the abundance of species are Compositae and Poaceae with 14 species each.
The majority of the described species are perennials. Annual monocarps are represented by 24 species, biennial monocarps by 2 species, and polycarps by 28 species. Trees, shrubs, and plants with woody stems are represented by 21 species.
More than half (54%) of the studied species are of East Asian origin.
Some of the widespread species described in coastal Ajara are typical invasive species. Some were present in very few specimens in the past, but have recently become widespread. Some have recently invaded and established themselves, e.g., Bur cucumber (Sicyos angulatus L.), Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.), and Brazilian verbena (Verbena brasiliensis Vell.).
Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) and Brazilian verbena (Verbena brasiliensis Vell.) were first recorded on the Colchis Plain in the 30s-40s of the 20th century. They appeared in the Ajara floristic region at the end of the last century, and their mass spread occurred in the previous 2 decades, which must result from anthropogenic impact and global climate change.