title: Cytisus scoparius (Fam. Fabaceae) in southern Brazil - first step of an invasion process?
abstract: The occurrence of Scotch broom Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link (Fabaceae), is reported for the first time in Brazil. The species has been registered in the species-rich Campos Sulinos grasslands, in the Campos de Cima da Serra, and in the Serra do Sudeste. Naturalizing populations were frequently formed in natural habitats near to human settlements, where prevailing land uses and disturbances facilitate dispersal and establishment. The plant is an invasive species that has globally caused significant damage to biodiversity and economic losses. In Brazil, the species has a strong potential for spreading into a wide range of ecosystems. The Atlantic Forest biome and part of the Pampa biome, together known as the Campos Sulinos, represent optimal areas for the species. Features of the observed populations and recommendations for management are presented.
authors.affiliation: School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Rodrigo León
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Cordero
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.
authors.forename: Fábio P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Torchelsen
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.
authors.forename: Gerhard E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Overbeck
authors.affiliation: School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Madhur
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Anand
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D029865:Cytisus / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development*; D065928:Forests; D058865:Introduced Species