A New Record for Invasive Alien Plant: Melilotus dentatus (Waldst. & Kit.) Desf. (Fabaceae) in Korea

A New Record for Invasive Alien Plant: Melilotus dentatus (Waldst. & Kit.) Desf. (Fabaceae) in Korea

Melilotus dentatus (Waldst. & Kit.) Desf. is an invasive plant native to Europe, Russia, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and China. It was introduced to North America to create grazing areas for livestock; its growth has since become uncontrollable. Melilotus dentatus is now found in Namyang-eup, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea as an alien plant. This species is morphologically similar to Melilotus suaveolens Ledeb. and Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam. M. dentatus differs from other species based on its oblong leaflets, distinct teeth, two ovules, surface of the legume that is minutely reticulate-nerved or smooth, and seeds that are dark green to greenish brown. Here, we have provided a detailed description and photographs of the alien species M. dentatus as well as an updated key to five Melilotus taxa studied, which will help prepare a continuous monitoring and management plan.