Where do they come from and where do they go? E uropean natural habitats as donors of invasive alien plants globally

Abstract Aim The percentage of alien species found in a given habitat depends on the habitat vulnerability to invasion (invasibility) and the number of species introduced (propagule pressure). However, the global pool of alien species suited to a given habitat also varies. Here, we identify donor habitats of invasive alien plant species originating from Europe, examine the match between habitats they occupy in E urope and recipient areas and test whether donor habitats of invasive plants tend to be vulnerable or resistant to invasions. Location Europe (source area), N orth A merica and the W orld (recipient areas). Methods Native E uropean vascular plants invasive in N orth A merica and other parts of the W orld were identified for 35 E uropean natural habitats. Percentages of species invasive outside Europe, of the total number of native species occurring in each E uropean habitat, were used to compare these habitats as donors for invasion. Habitat preferences of E uropean species in their recipient areas were compared with those in E urope. Results European alluvial forests, alder carrs and coastal sand‐dunes harbour the highest percentages of native species that are invasive outside E urope. Outside their native range, E uropean species tend to invade habitats that are similar to their donor habitats in E urope, but species of alluvial and coastal habitats also frequently invade other habitats. European habitats that are important donors of invasive species globally experience the highest levels of invasion by alien species from other regions; this relationship was, however, not confirmed for invasions to N orth A merica if considered separately. Main conclusions Some European habitats are more important donors of invasive plants than others. Therefore, the level of invasion of different habitats is affected also by the differences in the number of invasive species provided by various donor habitats. At a global scale, more important donor habitats are also likely to be more invaded.