Caídas en desgracia: desde apreciados habitantes del jardín hasta especies invasoras. La historia de dos viñas escapadas del jardín en la isla de Madeira

Abstract

Cardiospermum grandiflorum Sw. and Podranea ricasoliana (Tanfani) Sprague were introduced after 1930s to be used for arbours and pergolas in gardens located in warmer locations under 400 metres in south coast of Madeira Island. At the present they become very common and are densely growing over wastelands, stone walls, along stream banks, and over forsaken terraces. The historical evolution of these invasive plants, escaped from gardens, was evaluated by RLPT (Repeat Landscape Photography Technique). These species, which expanded in potential areas of Mayteno umbellatae-Oleo maderensis sigmetum and Semele androgynae-Apollonio barbujanae sigmetum, spread into former agricultural lands and areas previously occupied by native vegetation or that could allow its regeneration. Although the evidence of being a threat to native vegetation recovery, no attempt has been made, up till now, to control them.