Exotic grass Paspalum dilatatum decimates native plants in urban gardens through allelopathic interference.
The exotic plant Paspalum dilatatum is taking over urban gardens in Egypt, threatening native plants. A study found that areas with Paspalum had fewer native plants and higher levels of certain nutrients in the soil. In greenhouse tests, the soil near Paspalum hindered the growth of native plants like Amaranthus and Medicago. The soil near Paspalum also had more chemicals that can inhibit plant growth. This shows that Paspalum is harming the diversity of native plants in urban gardens.
