Characteristics and habitats of non‐native plant species in the city of Chonju, southern Korea

Abstract

Investigations on non‐native organisms have become an important task of modern ecology throughout the world. The major objective of this study was to identify the characteristics and habitats of non‐native plant species in Korean cities in order to derive conclusions on the success of biological invaders. The city of Chonju in southwest Korea was selected as a representative investigation area. All wild‐growing vascular plants were recorded in the city on a total of 106 sample plots located in representative land‐use types and within various distances of the city center. Frequency, origin, life forms, and plant families of non‐native species were analyzed. Additionally, the percentage of non‐native species along a gradient from the city center to the outskirts was investigated. We found that most common non‐native species of the flora of Chonju are: (i) native to the Northern hemisphere; (ii) belong to the annuals; (iii) belong to the plant families of the Compositae or Leguminosae ; and (iv) they perform best on sites that are continuously disturbed by human impact. In conclusion, non‐native species play a significant role in enhancing biological diversity in urban areas.