ABSTRACT
Urbanization processes are associated with a range of human activities that enhance the spread and establishment of non-native species. As a consequence, non-native plant species play a significant role in urban regions today, and their importance will continue to increase as urbanization accelerates worldwide. The invasion of non-native plants in urban areas is associated with risks and opportunities, both of which must be considered. Some non-native plant species can affect native species and trigger ecosystem disservices. On the other hand, introduced species are often well adapted to novel urban conditions and support a variety of ecosystem services in cities. The contrasting example of Cape Town and Berlin shows that invasion patterns and associated impacts cannot be generalized. It is thus a crucial task of future research to explore urban invasions and their detrimental, beneficial, or neutral consequences in different biogeographical contexts. This will inform management approaches and priority setting in urban environmental policies.
