New weed species recently introduced into Morocco

Twelve species were identified as having been introduced into Morocco since 1980. These were Abutilon theophrasti Medik., Ammannia coccinea Griseb., Brachiaria eruciformis (Smith) Griseb., Corchorus olitorius L., Cyperus difformis L., Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Richt., Echinochloa phyllopogon (Stapf) Koss, Euphorbia heterophylla L., Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad., Panicum capillare L., Solanum cornutum Lam. and S. elaeagnifolium Car. They were possibly introduced with contaminated crop seeds. With the exception of S. cornutum, which has disappeared from the site where it was first collected in 1987, the other species are becoming major weeds in one or more provinces. Details of their biology and importance are discussed.