Prediction of the potential distribution of Carduus nutans (nodding thistle) in Australia.
Abstract
Carduus nutans spp. nutans was introduced into Australia in 1950, since when it has spread into several agricultural areas. Models were developed to describe the growth, phenological development and seed yield of C. nutans ssp. nutans in Australia using data from 286 climatic stations. The models were used to predict the potential distribution of the species. The validity of the predictions is discussed in the light of the distribution of the species in Europe and other areas. From summary.