INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES IN THE URBAN ECOSYSTEM: BOSTANLI STREAM EXAMPLE; KARSIYAKA, IZMIR

Abstract: Human beings have tended to change the physical environment in which they live since the day they came into existence. One of the results of these changes is the change of flora and fauna. These conscious or unconscious changes cause invasive species to settle in natural habitats. These habitat changes especially threaten the existence of local plant species and may even cause their extinction. It is important to identify and control these plant species that prevent the provision of ecosystem services by reducing biodiversity in urban landscapes. In addition, when choosing plants in landscape projects, local plant species should be preferred instead of aesthetic concerns or periodic popular choices. In this direction, the aim of this study was to determine the invasive plant species used in the green areas along Bostanlı Stream in Izmir, where exotic plant species are abundant.