Interim profile, incomplete information
General Impact
The Global Compendium of Weeds lists Nicotiana glauca as an agricultural weed, casual alien, cultivation escape, environmental weed, garden weed and noxious weed (GCW 2007). The species is reported as invasive in the western Mediterranean and, recently, in Croatia (Bogdanovic et al. 2006). ;According to Cronk and Fuller (2001) N. glauca belongs
to the invasive category 3: invading seminatural or natural habitats which are of some conservation interest (in Bogdanovic et al. 2006). On Ascension Island it may pose a threat to the previously pristine area of the Hummock Point nature reserve. As it establishes well in coastal areas it could affect nesting turtles (Varnham 2006). N. glauca is recorded as invasive in the Canary Islands (Spain) (Brandes & Fritzsch 2002). Anabasine, the toxic alkaloid of N. glauca has been linked to human fatalities. In the cases documented it was found to be accidentally collected with traditional spinach (marog) (Steenkamp van Heerden & van Wyk 2002). Animal deaths, mainly of ostriches, have also been reported (Steenkamp van Heerden & van Wyk 2002).
Location Specific Impacts:Ascension Is. (Saint Helena) Habitat alteration: Nicotiana glauca may pose a threat to the previously pristine area of the Hummock Point nature reserve and could affect nesting turtles if it establishes in coastal areas.
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