Abstract: Solanum rostratum is a native species in North America. However, it was firstly found in Saldaban Township of Urumqi County and Sangong Town of Changji City, Xinjiang, China in 2005. In this paper, about 40 cities and counties in both north Xinjiang and south Xinjiang, where S. rostratum grows probably, were investigated. Some sample plots were delimited to observe and analyze the abundance, frequentness and important values of S. rostratum in the 14 wellconcentrated sample plots in different habitats. Thus, the distribution areas and community characteristics of S. rostratum in Xinjiang were identified, and the optimum habitats of this species were determined. The results indicated that S. rostratum distributed in Urumqi City (County), Changji City, Shihezi City, Turpan City and Toksun County of Xinjiang. The altitude of its distribution areas ranged from -12 to 132 5 m a. s. l. The types of its habitats included the desert steppe, desert and oasis. In the three habitats, the relative abundance of S. rostratum was the highest among all the plant species, and its maximum value occurred in an oasis. Thus it was considered that S. rostratum was the most important species in the invaded areas. Moreover, the relative coverage of S. rostratum was the highest in all the plant species, and it was in an order of oasis (54.27％)＞desert steppe (35.07％)＞desert (26.40％). The analyzed results of important values of S. rostratum indicated that the comprehensive adaptability of this species was the highest in the three habitats, particularly in the oasis. In conclusion, S. rostratum was still in partial endangerment in desert steppe and desert in Xinjiang, but it spread almost in the whole oasis.

Key words: invasive plant, Solanum rostratum Dunal, distribution range, community characteristic, Xinjiang