Invasive exotic plants
WHAT IS AN EXOTIC PEST PLANT? (http://www.fleppc.org/FLEPPC_main.htm)
Exotic - a species introduced to Florida, purposefully or accidentally, from a natural range outside of Florida.
Native - a species whose natural range included Florida at the time of European contact (1500 AD).
Naturalized exotic - an exotic that sustains itself outside cultivation (it is still exotic; it has not "become" native).
Invasive exotic - an exotic that not only has naturalized but is expanding on its own in Florida plant communities.
FACTS
- Approximately 31% of the plant species known to occur in Florida outside cultivation are introduced (non-natives growing on their own). That's 1,300+ exotic species established and reproducing outside cultivation. Of that number, about 10% are considered invasive in natural areas by the FLEPPC (Cat I and Cat II).
- The second greatest threat to the 500+ endangered & threatened plant species in Florida is adverse effects from invasive exotic plants (the greatest threat is direct habitat destruction via population growth, urban sprawl, etc.).
Exotic plants are introduced accidentally through shipping materials or deliberately for ornamental or commercial purposes. Invasive exotics or exotic pest plants don't have the natural enemies here that controlled their growth in their home range. This can free them to spread easily into our native plant communities. Not all exotic plants become pest plants in Florida's natural areas, but those that do can cause a reduction in biodiversity, loss of habitat and food sources for native insects, birds, and other wildlife, and changes to natural ecological systems.
Most notable invasive exotic plants on Conservation 20/20 preserves:
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Australian Pine
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Brazilian Pepper
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Melaleuca
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Old World climbing fern
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Caesarweed
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Cogon grass
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Invasive exotic species found in Lee County
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The following websites have photos of many plants commonly found in Florida
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC)
Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
University of Florida, IFAS
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