Meet the non - natives species of South Florida, these are plants species that have been introduced into the Environment in one form or another and have turned out be detrimental in our local eco-systems.
Invasive species are a big problem for us everywhere and effect many aspects of our lives, For example did you know Invasives plant and animal species cost US taxpayers $120 Billion per year! they also pose a huge threat to our agricultural Industries and most importantly threaten the lives of all the animals that depend on healthy plant communities as well as make us vulnerable to increased insecticides and pesticides.
These are a just a few common invasives and ornamentals you can easily find in South FL. , stay away from these and remember you have a wide range of alterNatives that you can feel good will provide nutrition for pollinators and contribute to Restoration efforts.
​
A typical Florida Landscape, its nice but does not provide nutrition to pollinators.
​
​
Pictured on the right is the exotic Cardboard Palm, stay away from these.
Pictured here you see the highly Invasive Brazilian Pepper and to the right is the equally aggressive Oyster plants. Remove these if you see them on your property. Both are listed as Category I Invasives species.
Pictured here is the highly overused Schefflera arboricola this guy has hoodwinked us to think hes the only shrub around.
To the right we the Sanseviera or Mother in Law tongue when let loose outdoors it is highly aggressive.
Both these species however make great indoor plants.
To learn more about the Invasive specie problem and whats being done about it please visit our friends at Everglades CISMA :
http://www.evergladescisma.org/
​
For a comprehensive list of Invasive plants in Florida please check out our friends at the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council
http://www.fleppc.org/list/list.htm
​
​
Also check out the USDA efforts addressing these concerns.
​
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/hungry-pests
​
​
We hope this guide helps you get familiar and understand Invasive species further, but remember our best defense is prevention and education so please feel free to share this information so we can continue on a path towards Restoration,
​
​
​