2. Anthoxanthum nitens (Weber) Schouten et Veldkamp (syn.: Hierochloe odorata (L.) Beauv.) (north. hemisphere) – An exceptional, locally naturalised alien of obscure origin. Discovered in 2002 in a damp, grassy road verge in Sinaai (Sint-Niklaas), in a vast, nature-like marshy area (Verloove & Opstaele 2004). In 2012 confirmed in this locality (at least 100 plants).
Anthoxanthum nitens is tentatively treated as a non-native species here but its residence status is in fact uncertain. The species grows in a small population (ca. 20 m²) that could as well be a relic of a larger, previously undiscovered native population. Moreover, Dutch native localities are relatively nearby and Anthoxanthum nitens seems to extend its distribution range in recent times in northwestern Europe. On the other hand, the species is sometimes cultivated or it might have been introduced on purpose (flora-falsification).
 |
|
 |
Selected literature:
Charpin A. (1979) Hierochloe odorata (L.) P.B. en France. Monde Pl. 74(399): 7-8.
Charpin A. & Jordan D. (1977) Hierochloë odorata, plant nouvelle pour la flore de la Haute-Savoie. Saussurea 8: 127-129.
Verloove F. & Opstaele B. (2004) Hierochloe odorata in Sinaai (Sint-Niklaas, Oost-Vlaanderen), nieuw voor de Belgische flora: inheems of geïntroduceerd? Dumortiera 82: 16-18.
Wallnöfer B. (2007) Die Hierochloë odorata -Verwandtschaft in Österreich und im nordöstlichen Italien. Ann. Naturhist. Mus Wien, B 108: 249-263.