Milk thistle (Silybum marianum, Asteraceae), Recorded for the First as Invasive Weed Species in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia

Abstract

Weldesenbet Beze Kassie

Milk thistle, Silybum marianum was observed in road sides, urban green areas and wasted places of Addis Abeba city, Ethiopia since, 2020. This study aimed to determine the current distribution status of the weed in urban green areas of the city to provide information for future management activities. Weed surveys were conducted across 42 urban green sites located in Yeka, Lemi Kura, Bole, Nifas Silk-Lafto, Kolfie Keraniyo, Akaky Kality and Gullele sub-cities during the main rainy season from June to September 2023. The urban green areas were selected by using purposive sampling techniques. Field observations confirmed that Silybum marianum can invade and colonize wide habitats and is a highly competitive invasive weed to other important native plant species. High weed density rates and dense stands of weeds were recorded in the 34 urban green areas. The present study gives an accurate assessment and understanding of Silybum marianum, which is further important for their scientific management and utilization by means of fast integrated weed management options such as mowing/tilling, weeding before the plant goes to seed, cutting (stems and/or seed heads), and burning (collected plant parts and/or seed heads) into a prepared burrow were done to minimize the spreading of the weed and its ecological impacts.

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