1. Nicandra physalodes (L.) Gaertn. (Peru) – A rather frequent but usually ephemeral alien (sometimes persisting for some time). First collected in Oudergem (Brussel) in 1853. Now seen every year at numerous, widely scattered locations and in a wide range of (usually) man-made habitats: dumps, waste land, roadverges, agricultural fields (for instance in maize fields), urban habitats, port areas,… Formerly also as a wool alien in the Vesdre valley.
Nicandra physalodes is introduced in various ways in Belgium: most current records are related with grain importation (including birdseed). However, it is sometimes also grown as an ornamental (probably more so in former times) and might also occur as an escape from cultivation.
Selected literature:
Adolphi K. (1995) Neophytische Kultur- und Anbaupflanzen als Kulturflüchtlinge des Rheinlandes. Nardus 2: 272 p.