Evolution,distribution characteristics and influencing factors of alien invasive plants in Beijing
[Aim]Invasion by alien plants is a prominent phenomenon in Beijing.However,the spatial and temporal patterns of this invasion and the factors influencing the diffusion of invasive plants in Beijing remain unclear,which poses a challenge to the formu-lation of relevant management measures.This study aimed to clarify the dynamic rules and socioeconomic factors characterizing inva-sive plants in Beijing to gain informational and technical insights with which to formulate countermeasures to effectively prevent and control invasive plants.[Method]Based on the existing literature,monographs,and related database information,a database of alien invasive plants in Beijing was constructed,from which we analyzed the composition,invasion characteristics,and negative effects of each alien invasive plants.Furthermore,the temporal pattern and spatial distribution were examined and analyzed for corre-lations with social and economic variables influencing invasiveness using the GIS and SPSS software.[Result]A total of 101 species of alien invasive plants in Beijing were found and analyzed.Compositae was the dominant family,with most specimens being annual herbs native to the America.The main routes of invasion were found to be either intentional or accidental introductions caused by hu-man activities.Propagation and diffusion activities mostly depended on the abundance of seeds and the wind dispersal of seeds be-yond human control.The specimens were found to compete by occupying the niches of local species.More than one-fifth of the alien invasive plants were the focus of national prevention and control.[Conclusion]The changes and distribution of invasive plants in Beijing were not only found to be limited by their own invasive characteristics,but were also markedly affected by human activities related to social and economic development and urbanization.These findings underlie the importance of preventing further introduc-tions and either eliminating or controlling established invasions in a more comprehensive manner.