Differences in characteristics between naturalized threatened plants and other threatened plants.
Zhao W, Fristoe TS, Davis AJS, Dawson W, Essl F
Invasive Species
A tree you might plant for shade or timber could simultaneously be vanishing from its homeland — meaning your landscaping choice might quietly support a species that conservation programs are racing to save elsewhere.
Scientists looked at every plant species officially considered at risk of extinction and asked: did any of them also manage to spread and survive in new parts of the world where humans accidentally or intentionally brought them? Out of more than 26,000 threatened plants, only 238 pulled off this double life. Almost all of them were trees or shrubs that people found useful — for wood, building, or beautifying gardens — which is likely how they got moved around in the first place.
Key Findings
Only 238 of 26,036 IUCN-assessed threatened plant species (~1%) are also naturalized outside their native range.
Most dual-status species are trees or shrubs with documented economic value, particularly for building materials and landscaping.
Africa contributed the largest absolute number of threatened-yet-naturalized species, but fewer than statistically expected given its high total count of threatened plants; Europe hosted more naturalized threatened species than expected.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Of 26,036 plant species globally threatened with extinction, only 238 (about 1%) have also managed to establish themselves in the wild outside their native range. These rare dual-status species are mostly economically valuable trees and shrubs — like timber and landscaping plants — suggesting human use drove both their spread and their decline at home.
Abstract Preview
Many non-native plant species introduced by humans have become naturalized. At the same time many species are threatened in their native range. However, the number of plant species threatened in th...
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