Advances in Flaveria bidentis (L.) Kuntze, a new exotic plant.

Flaveria bidentis (L.) Kuntze,an annual alien weed of Flaveria Juss. (Asteraceae),was newly found in China. It may be a potential invasive plant because of its very strong reproductive and survival abilities. The following aspects of F. bidentis: name,biological and ecological characteristics,physiological and molecular biology of C4 photosynthesis enzymes,genetics and secondary metabolites,were reviewed. Progresses in the study on the systematics evolution of Flaveria Juss.,relationship between photosynthesis characteristics and the evolution of C4 pathway,and four important C4 photosynthesis enzymes were summarized in detail,and the prospects were also discussed. It might provide more information on its invasive characteristics.