In total 273 stands of the invasive species Fallopia (Reynoutria) japonica in Oświęcim valley (southern Poland) were examined, in terms of cover, area, abundance, height and width of shoots, and presence of coexisting species. F. japonica occurred more frequently in wastelands and was the rarest in forests. Statistical analyses revealed some significant differences among habitats with particular traits. The most abundant populations, occupying the largest area, were recorded in wetlands and along railway lines. Populations were very diverse in terms of their percentage of flowering shoots within a particular type of habitat, however, the highest percentage was again observed in wetlands and along railways. In forests, gardens and in wastelands the contribution of flowering shoots was lower. The presence of accompanying species in the studied populations was generally low, most frequently stands of F. japonica were mono-specific with a slightly higher cover of accompanying species being recorded in F. japonica populations in forests. The highest proportion of the tallest shoots within a patch of F. japonica was observed in wetlands, while the lowest was in wastelands and in railways. The individuals with the thickest shoots were present in forests and wetlands and the thinnest in wastelands. Despite the simplified nature of the data collection the study demonstrated that F. japonica is more vigorous and forms larger stands occupying larger areas in some of the analyzed habitats. The study showed that in manmade habitats the considered species has favourable conditions for its development and further spread and this is of concern to conservationists and land managers as it can pose a threat to native biodiversity.
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