Biological invasion by Cryptostegia madagascarinesis Bojer ex Decne: Impacts on floristic composition and phytosociological structure in remnant caatinga areas, Ceará, Brazil

The species Cryptostegia madagascariensis Bojer ex Decne. is a taxon native to the south-west of the island of Madagascar, Africa, belonging to the family Apocynaceae. In Brazil, it is commonly known as 'trepadeira', 'unha do cão', 'leiteira' and/or 'dedo do diabo'. In the north-east, there are already records in the states of Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, where it is invading the banks of watercourses, roadsides, open areas and pastures. C. madagascariensis is considered a highly aggressive invasive plant, particularly in riparian forests and low-lying areas, forming dense stands that alter the landscape and cause serious impacts. This work aims to address the topic of biological invasion, presenting a brief analysis of the phenomenon, and to investigate the possible impacts resulting from the invasion by C. madagascariensis on the vegetation community of remnant caatinga in the state of Ceará, Brazil. This book is intended for those interested in research on invasive alien species, as well as for those wishing to learn about techniques that assist in monitoring any changes in vegetation structure caused by invasive species.