Invasion of alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) in Wular Lake, Kashmir, India

Alligator weed Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb (Amaranthaceae) is being reported for the first time from Kashmir, India. Alternanthera philoxeroides was collected in 2008 during the vegetation survey of Wular Lake, a wetland of international importance under Ramsar convention. Alternanthera philoxeroides is a noxious invasive weed widespread throughout the world. We suggested that all lakes and wetlands in the Kashmir valley are susceptible to this weed and its growth may assume destructive levels. The morphology and nomenclature of the species is described and illustrated.