Distributive pattern of malignant invasive species, Eupatorium adenophorum in Yunnan

Invasive species can alter the biological diversity, composition, structure, and function of terrestrial ecosystems. Yunnan Province is the earliest and most serious area on the exotic plant invasion. Eupatorium adenophorum, native to Mexico and Costa Rica of Central America, is a worldwide noxious invasive species. It occurs throughout many terrestrial areas of the world and is especially rampant in Southeast Asia, Hawaii, New Zealand, Austria and the Pacific islands. Since its invasion to China from the boundaries of Vietnam and Burma, the spread speed has been faster than anticipated. Presently, Eupatorium adenophorum can be found in Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Tibet, Guangxi, Chongqing, Taiwan and Hubei etc. provinces (autonomous regions, municipality). It spread from south to north and from west to east in southwest of China, which is considered as a threat to local economy and biodiversity. The distribution pattern of this invasive plant in Yunnan Province has been mapped based on geographic information system, which can help to understand the mechanisms of its invasion and spread.