Cotoneaster bullatus Bois. (Rosaceae), a new non-native species to the flora of the Balkan Peninsula

Abstract

At the beginning of their establishment, alien species appear as a peculiar subject of the new habitat. Their further encroachment can lead to noxious effects on overall ecosystem services and native biodiversity. The moment they become invasive, a multi-level intervention is required to remove them. Therefore, after prevention, the identification of a new non-native species is the most important step in monitoring. Higher altitude areas are not resistant to negative anthropogenic influences, which are also reflected in the flora. The distribution patterns and abundance of non-native species have not been sufficiently studied in the mountain areas of Serbia and the Balkan Peninsula. The floristic survey of the Zlatibor Mountain and Nature Park (western Serbia) took place in the period 2020–2024. The species Cotoneaster bullatus Bois, from SW China, was recorded with 16 individuals in a semi-natural forest of Pinus nigra and P. sylvestris, right next to the motorway in the wider surroundings of the locality Partizanske vode. In 2024, an expansion of the population was observed up to 50 individuals with the appearance of shoots. Hollyberry cotoneaster is a new allochthonous taxon for the flora of Serbia and the Balkan Peninsula. The newly recorded Cotoneaster taxon is presented on the basis of its morphology, distribution, habitat preferences, ecology and population size. The only known population is most likely of subspontaneous origin and was established by ornithochory. The species does not yet represent an aggravating factor for native plant communities. However, there is a risk that the population of C. bullatus will spread to the surrounding natural forest habitats.