Agrarian Academic Journal
doi: 10.32406/v7n6/2024/21-29/agrariacad
The presence of wild Helianthus annuus in M’Sila (Algeria) – first description.
A presença de Helianthus annuus selvagem em M’Sila (Argélia) – primeira descrição.
Djamel Sarri
1-3-4, Noui Hendel2, Madani Sarri1
1- Department of Natural and Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Mohamed Boudiaf University of M’Sila, Algeria.
2- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Mohamed Boudiaf University of M’Sila, Algeria. Corresponding author. E-mail: djamel.sarri@univ-msila.dz
3- Research Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnological Techniques for the Vegetal Resources Valorization (BTB_VRV), Mohamed Boudiaf University, PO Box 166 Echbilia, M’Sila 28000, Algeria.
4- Renewable Materials and Energy Laboratory, Mohamed Boudiaf University, PO Box 166 Echbilia, M’Sila 28000, Algeria.
Abstract
We report in this work the presence of an Asteraceae in M’Sila. Helianthus annuus species (the genus is very close to the genus Verbesina) is not reported in the flora of Algeria as weed, invasive or ruderal. The species ranked in the Tribe of Heliantheae which includes 4 genres including Verbesina, Ambrosia, Xanthium and Bidens in the flora of Quezel; Santa (1962-1963). Observed for a few years in the municipality of M’Sila at several different sites (roadside, rubble, cultivated land and foot of an ornamental tree).
Keywords: Asteraceae. Sunflower. Invasive flora. Discovered. Different sites.
Resumo
Nós relatamos neste trabalho a presença de uma Asteraceae em M’Sila. A espécie Helianthus annuus (o gênero é muito próximo do gênero Verbesina) não é relatada na flora da Argélia como erva daninha, invasora ou ruderal. A espécie classificada na Tribo de Heliantheae que inclui 4 gêneros, incluindo Verbesina, Ambrosia, Xanthium e Bidens na flora de Quezel; Santa (1962-1963). Observado por alguns anos no município de M’Sila em vários locais diferentes (beira da estrada, entulho, terra cultivada e pé de uma árvore ornamental).
Palavras-chave: Asteraceae. Girassol. Flora invasora. Descoberta. Locais diferentes.
Introduction
Algeria, rich in varied plant biodiversity, is home to indigenous and naturalized flora which contributes to the ecological diversity of its regions. The wilaya of M’Sila, located in the center of the country, has a semi-arid climate conducive to the growth of many plant species, notably those adapted to it, Helianthus annuus L.
The Helianthus annuus species observed in M’Sila belongs to the Asteraceae family and is one of the most studied plants in the world, particularly for its role in agriculture. According to Quezel and Santa (1963) the Asteraceae family represents a dominant component of the Algerian flora, with 583 species (plus 19 hybrids, 11 species cited not reviewed and 13 naturalized), distributed over 109 genera. Native to North America, Helianthus annuus is now present on all continents, including Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, where it was introduced intentionally or accidentally, mainly as a contaminant of seeds or other agricultural products (POVERENE; CANTAMUTTO, 2010).
Several authors have reported this in several countries including France (FAURE et al., 2002), the Czech Republic (HOLEC et al., 2005), Spain (MULLER et al., 2006), Italy (VISCHI et al., 2006) and has been reported fleetingly in other countries (HOLEC et al., 2005). This and other wild Helianthus species also occur in Australia (DRY; BURDON, 1986; SEILER et al., 2008), Argentina (POVERENE et al., 2002; CANTAMUTTO et al., 2010), South Africa (VISCHI et al., 2004) and cultivated and naturalized in Morocco (FENNANE, 2017).
In Algeria, the species is reported as an ornamental plant in Biskra (MAAOUI, 2014), it is cultivated in many regions, it can also become wild and invasive, as observed in M’Sila. In this region, it is particularly established in apricot orchards and in urban areas, where it adopts a ruderal behavior. This article aims to describe the first observation of Helianthus annuus in the wild in M’Sila, highlighting its morphological characteristics and its adaptation to this specific environment.
The present study aims to document, for the first time, the presence of Helianthus annuus, Describe the morphological and ecological characteristics of the species, Identify the types of colonized habitats, in particular apricot orchards and urban areas and evaluate its impact in the region. This first description will contribute to enriching knowledge on the geographical and ecological distribution of Helianthus annuus.
Material and methods
The M’Sila region, located in central Algeria, is distinguished by its great ecological diversity and its semi-arid climate, marked by hot, dry summers and mild winters. To the north, the landscape is dominated by cedar and Aleppo pine forests, while to the south stretch steppes composed of white sagebrush, esparto, esparto and hamada. These plant formations are punctuated by Aleppo pine forests and wooded steppes, notably in the Djebel Messaad forest. The flora of the region is particularly rich, with 548 species recorded, divided into 65 families and 317 genera. Among them, there are 28 endemic species, 77 rare plants, 12 protected species (including 3 on the red list) and 175 species characteristic of steppe ecosystems (SARRI et al., 2021). The study area is located in the commune of M’Sila, capital of the M’Sila wilaya. Located at the crossroads between the Tell and the Hodna basin, this city, founded in the Fatimid era in the 10th century, covers an area of 233.2 km². It is located at an altitude of 450 meters, with a latitude of 35° 42′ 07″ north and a longitude of 4° 32′ 48″ east (Figure 1).
Figure 1 – Map showing the locations of Helianthus annuus spots in M’Sila.
The species Helianthus annuus was discovered in the M’Sila region by chance, during periodic visits carried out between 2015 and 2022 as part of scientific research projects. The main objective of these outings was to carry out a detailed floristic inventory of the region and to constitute a representative herbarium. Several observation points have been identified, distributed in different areas, ranging from agricultural orchards to urban and natural environments. These discoveries demonstrate the ecological diversity of the region and the crucial role of field explorations in enriching knowledge of the local flora.
– Sampling and data collection
Several outings were carried out to make observations at different times of the year. At each outing, the station was described and representative samples were taken for identification (determination keys such as flora) and herbarium placement.
– Location of species observation sites
The study made it possible to list several stations distributed around the city, each presenting distinct ecological characteristics. The observations were carried out at different times, making it possible to assess the spatial and ecological distribution of the species in this region (Table 1).
Station 1: North of M’Sila
- Location: Village of Bou Khomissa, along the R45 national road.
- Habitat: Small apricot orchard.
- GPS coordinates:
o 35.757546, 4.551372: Station with only one foot observed.
o 35.781649, 4.550038: Station with a population of approximately 20 individuals.
- Remarks: This station has a relatively well-established population, probably favored by the agricultural conditions of the orchard.
Station 2: East of M’Sila
- Location: Apricot orchard to the east of the city.
- Habitat: Semi-arid agricultural area, with a low density of fruit trees.
- GPS coordinates: 35.704682, 4.563445.
- Population: Around ten feet observed.
- Remarks: This population seems stable, benefiting from local irrigation.
Station 3: West of M’Sila
- Location: Temporary swamp west of the city.
- Habitat: Temporary wetland, seasonally flooded.
- GPS coordinates: 35.737406, 4.516842.
- Population: Population not seen since its initial discovery.
- Remarks: This site presents an atypical habitat for Helianthus annuus, suggesting tolerance to fluctuating water conditions.
Station 4: Center of M’Sila (Ancient Town)
- Location: Under an ornamental tree in the heart of the ancient city of M’Sila.
- Habitat: Urban environment, subject to anthropogenic influences.
- GPS coordinates: 35.703991, 4.544556.
- Population: Station not seen since its first observation.
- Remarks: The presence of the species in an urban context could be linked to accidental dispersal phenomena or human introductions.
Table 1 – Summary of observation sites
Station |
Location |
GPS coordinates |
Habitat |
Population |
Station 1 |
North of M’Sila |
35.757546, 4.551372 / 35.781649, 4.550038 |
North of M’Sila |
1 foot / 20 feet |
Station 2 |
East of M’Sila |
35.704682, 4.563445 |
Apricot orchard |
Around ten feet |
Station 3 |
West of M’Sila |
35.737406, 4.516842 |
Temporary swamp |
Not reviewed |
Station 4 |
Center of M’Sila (old town) |
35.703991, 4.544556 |
Ornamental tree in urban environment |
Not reviewed |
Results and discussion
– Identification and origin of the species
The collected samples were first identified from the new flora of Algeria and the southern desert regions (QUEZEL; SANTA, 1963), the flora of the Sahara (OZENDA, 2004) and the old flora of Algeria (BATTANDIER; TRABUT, 1902; BATTANDIER; TRABUT, 1888-1890). The identification using these Algerian florae allowed us to notice the absence of the Helianthus annuus species.
The consultation of other flora including the flora of Italy (PIGNATTI, 1997), the synonymous index of the flora of the North Africa (DOBIGNARD; CHATELAIN, 2011), Synonymous Checklists of Vascular Plants of the World (HASSLER, 2023), allowed us to identify and know the origin of the harvested plant.
It was noticed that the plant develops rather slowly in the first two stations. The agricultural services helped verify the origin and presence of the Helianthus annuus in M’Sila.
Only one question was asked: was there cultivation of Helianthus annuus in the municipality of M’Sila? The answer was no, so the likelihood that the species escaped from crops and spread is to be ruled out.
– General information about the species
Wild Helianthus annuus thrives in places that have been disturbed by human activity, such as roadsides, waste places, wastelands, and field edges. It can become a very tenacious weed. Hybrids resulting from crosses with cultivated sunflowers are distinguished in the field by their large size, their numerous ramifications, and their late maturation – BBV (DEDIO, 2015).
Wild Helianthus annuus is a highly branched weedy, invasive, or ruderal species with many flower heads, while the cultivated species usually has only one flower head at the top of an unbranched stem. It is an annual herbaceous plant native to the Americas that is important for its oil (a requested ingredient) and its seeds (a food source).
Worldwide, several species of this genus are perennial and grown in gardens, but they tend to spread quickly and can become aggressive.
The negative consequence of the worldwide spread of the genus Helianthus has been the spread of certain wild populations of Helianthus annuus which behave as non-native invaders in several regions of the world (BERVILLÉ et al., 2005; DRY; BURDON, 1986).
The majority of sunflower seeds that farmers provide or cultivate are actually hybrids of various sunflower species. These hybrid species typically have higher fitness and possess qualities or traits desired by farmers, like pathogen resistance.
The genus has about 67 species (HEISER JR, 1978), including polyploid annuals and perennials, but it is with the former that the cultivated sunflower intersects.
– Description of the plant
The individuals (or samples) observed at the different stations in the town of M’Sila present an erect stem reaching 1 meter in height, dark brick red to brown during winter and autumn, with hooked, much-branched cilia. The ramifications start with the insertions of the leaves (nodes).
The leaves are broad, coarsely toothed, rough, and mostly alternate. They are usually lanceolate, rarely narrow, and the lower ones are heart shaped. They have 3 ribs, one of which is central, and projecting (the same starting point). The leaf blades are not symmetrically identical.
The flower is a head made up of many small individual flowers with five petals (florets). Ray flowers are sexually sterile and may be yellow, orange, red, or other colors. The flowers in the center of the head, called disc flowers, ripen into fruits (sunflower seeds) and are arranged in a spiral. Flower head: 1.5 to 3cm, with 3 rows of regular ciliated bracts pinnate on the margins and on the face of the scattered cilia. The flower peduncle is very rough, with very hard cilia. Black achene with 2 papillae; rarely 3 (Figure 2).
Figure 2 – Photos of the Helianthus annuus species at the different stations (Photos by Djamel Sarri): 1- Population of station 1; 2- Plant from station 1; 3- Rough flower stalk; 4- Black Akaine with 2 papillae from station 2.
– Synonyms
The online flora databases consulted give for the species Helianthus annuus approximately 71 combinations (including: 46 varieties 16 form and 9 subsp) and 45 synonyms (including: the Inventaire National du Patrimoine Naturel (INPN) of France gives 28 synonyms for the species (INPN, 2023); the Canadensis database in Canada gives 6 synonyms (BROUILLET et al., 2010); the Tropicos database in the USA gives 12 synonyms (TROPICOS.org, site consulted in 28/05/2023) and the Catalog of life database in the Netherlands gives 17 synonyms site consulted in 28/05/2023).
– Species status
It is of minor concern according to the IUCN; it is an introduced, cultivated, and domestic species.
Conclusion
This study constitutes the first detailed description of the species Helianthus annuus in the M’Sila region, Algeria. It highlights the morphological, ecological and behavioral characteristics of this plant in a semi-arid environment. Observed in different habitats, including agricultural orchards, urban areas and a temporary swamp, the species demonstrates a remarkable capacity for adaptation to varied conditions, while adopting ruderal behavior in certain cases.
The results obtained reveal a progressive and localized establishment of Helianthus annuus in this region, although its expansion remains limited. The absence of historical cultivation in the region, confirmed by local agricultural authorities, excludes the hypothesis of dispersal from cultivated fields. This suggests an accidental or natural introduction, probably facilitated by long-distance dispersal mechanisms, such as transport by wind, birds or human activities.
Furthermore, the observations confirm data from international literature concerning the invasive potential of this species in disturbed environments. However, its current status in Algeria, and more specifically in M’Sila, remains that of a naturalized plant with no major ecological impact identified at this stage.
This study contributes to enriching knowledge on the geographic distribution and ecology of Helianthus annuus in Algeria. She underlines the importance of floristic inventory and ecological monitoring to better understand the dynamics of introduced species. This information could prove useful for future management of the species in regions where it could pose a risk to local ecosystems.
In conclusion, this work opens perspectives for in-depth research on the ecology, dispersal mechanisms and potential impact of Helianthus annuus in Algerian ecosystems. Additional studies, including genetic analyzes and long-term monitoring, would be necessary to better evaluate its dynamics and its interaction with local plant communities.
Interest conflicts
There was no conflict of interest between the authors.
Authors’ contributions
Djamel Sarri – writing and translation into English; Djamel Sarri & Noui Hendel – prospecting and collection of samples in the different stations; Noui Hendel & Madani Sarri – reading and correcting the language of the text.
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Received on July 6, 2024
Returned for adjustments on November 27, 2024
Received with adjustments on December 6, 2024
Accepted on December 12, 2024