Moricandia arvensis (L.) DC. (W-Medit.) – An exceptional and probably ephemeral alien. A single individual was discovered near a quarry in Clermont-sous-Huy (Engis) in 2017.
The vector of introduction of Moricandia arvensis in this locality is unknown. It evidently is a weed in many warm-temperate regions across the world and is often naturalized in open xerophilous, gravelly habitats, like the one encountered in Engis. It could thus have been introduced as a result of industrial activities. However, it is also sometimes cultivated as ornamental (Jäger & al. 2008). The scarce British records of M. arvensis have been associated with esparto grasses, introduced for the paper industry (Clement & Foster 1994), and with railway infrastructure (Rich & Halliday 1991).
Selected references
Clement E.J. & Foster M.C. (1994) Alien plants of the British Isles. BSBI, London: XVIII + 590 p.
Dickoré W.B. & Springer S. (2014) Neue Adventivflora auf historischem Grund der ehemaligen Deponie Puchheim bei München. Berichte der Bayerischen Botanischen Gesellschaft 84: 101-108. [available online at: https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Berichte-Bayerischen-Bot-Ges-Erforschung-Flor...
Jäger E.J., Ebel F., Hanelt P. & Müller G. (eds.) (2008) Rothmaler Band 5. Exkursionsflora von Deutschland. Krautige Zier- und Nutzpflanzen. Springer Verlag, Berlin: 880 p.
Rich T. & Halliday G. (1991) Cabbage Patch VIII. Carlisle’s collection of Cumbrian casual crucifers. BSBI News 58: 37-38. [available online at: https://archive.bsbi.org.uk/BSBINews58.pdf]