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  3. Spartina alterniflora

Spartina alterniflora

Basic information
Scientific name Spartina alterniflora (No picture)
Common names Saltmarsh cordgrass, Atlantic cordgrass, salt-water cordgrass, smooth cordgrass
Higher taxon Poaceae, Poales, Liliopsida, Magnoliophyta
Natural range Eastern North America, Caribbean islands, eastern South America.
Habitat Marsh along rivers, dry beach, etc.
Invasion information
Range in Japan Aichi (Toyohashi and Handa Cities) and Kumamoto (Kumaoto and Uki Cities) Prefs. Range in Japan
Origin Unknown. A research suggested different origins between Kumamoto and Toyohashi, and Handa populations.
Date 2008 or earlier
Route Unknown.
Possibly accidental: with ballast water
Impact Competition with native species. Destruction of marsh.
Native organism(s) affected: Native plants and animals along marsh along rivers and dry beach.
Regulation in Japan Invasive alien species (Invasive Species Act)
Release of this species is prohibited in Aichi Prefecture (29 Mar 2012).

Introduced range in other countries Continental China, India, Australia, New Zealand, UK, France, Spain, USA (Washington, California)
Reference Notes
Spartina spp. is designated as a invasive alien species from June 2014