MoMordica charantia (CuCurbitaCeae) as an alien weed in eCuador: spatio-temporal distribution and invasion risk.—

Momordica charantia, an alien vine weed native to tropical and subtropical Asia and Africa, is widely distributed in Ecuador. In this study, we examined the temporal and spatial distribution of M. charantia records and evaluated its invasion risk for Ecuador. Occurrences of the species were collected from various sources (databases and herbaria). The distribution of the species in Ecuador and priority conservation areas was analyzed, considering its climatic and ecosystem preferences. An invasion risk analysis was conducted for Continental Ecuador. Our results indicated that M. charantia was reported for the first time in the Coastal Region of Ecuador in 1846. The cause of its introduction remains unknown; however, one potential pathway for its expansion could be linked to its utilization as a medicinal plant in Ecuador. The species is now naturalized in Ecuador and recorded in all four regions, including the Galápagos Islands. The species was detected in 18 priority conservation areas, where its abundance appears incipient, and its eradication feasible. Citizen science (iNaturalist) provided the majority of species records, emphasizing its importance for monitoring alien species. Although M. charantia has a limited occurrence in natural environments (most of the records, 89%, are in disturbed areas), the species was categorized as “high risk” in Ecuador due to the country’s climatically suitable regions for its establishment. Additionally, M. charantia has a high capacity for long-distance dispersal and considerable potential to become a weed in crops, posing a threat to agriculture. We highlight that the occurrence of M. charantia in disturbed areas could constitute a propagule source towards crop areas, where the species could behave as a weed. The management of M. charantia populations near crops could mitigate its potential agricultural impacts.