Report of Invasive Alien Plant, Commelina caroliniana, (Commelinaceae) in Korea

Commelina caroliniana Water, was founded in Jongdal-ri (Gujwa-eup, Jeju Island) for the first time, is widely distributed arable land near the coast and roads. C. caroliniana belongs to Commelinaceae and native to Bangladesh, India. This species can be distinguished from its allied species in Korea by several characters as followings: apex acuminate and obovate shape spathes, flowers have blue 3 petals, maroon spot on the antherode, fruit with 5 seeds in 3 ovaries. C. caroliniana is well known for its strong fertility, which can outcompate native grasses and further negatively effect on the grassland ecosystem. The species has already introduced and widely distributed across much of southeastern US and some of Asian countries. Considering the case of C. caroliniana's diffusion capacity and influence on the ecosystem, management system for prevent their spreading are required through monitoring. Given the great potential of spread found in C. caroliniana, continuous monitoring may be required.