Reseda odorata L. (SE-Medit.) – A rare and much decreasing, ephemeral alien. Apparently first collected as an escape from cultivation in a garden in 1870 (without further details). In the 19th century furthermore seen in Lier and Wilsele. In the first half of the 20th century regularly recorded (Gent, Goffontaine, Jamioulx, Nieuwpoort, Wilsele, Zemst) but much decreasing in the past decades. After 1950 only exceptionally seen, for instance in Goffontaine (1953), Obourg (1955) and Mol (2011). Probably all records represent garden escapes (dumps, rough ground, etc.).
In Goffontaine (1953) Reseda odorata was claimed to be naturalized on an old wall (which is rather unlikely).
Reseda odorata is much reminiscent of R. phyteuma and they might have been confused. Both are cultivated as ornamentals but the usual garden plant certainly is Reseda odorata. Mature capsules surely provide the best distinguishing feature to tell them apart (see key).
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