First report of an invading population of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott in the Iberian Peninsula.

Colocasia esculenta, or taro, is an emergent aquatic and semi-aquatic plant, native to Asia, which is cultivated for its edible corm in several parts of the world. This species has colonized or invaded wetlands and rivers in different parts of the world (e.g., Southeast USA, Southwestern Australia, Southern Africa, etc.) thus suggesting that early detection of this species should be conducted. Here we present the first report of an invasive population of C. esculenta in the Iberian Peninsula (Southern Europe). Characteristics of the patches found that serve as an early diagnosis of the degree of invasion and the origin of introduction are given. The current population consists of a number of patches that are heterogeneously distributed along the stream (ca. 7 km). Monospecific Taro patches displace native species and provoke the narrowing of river sections, similar to rivers and wetlands in Australia or the United States where this species is considered an invasive plant. This new record also suggests the ability of this tropical species to withstand the long dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate within permanent streams.