Exotic Invasive Plants

Alien species are the second greatest threat to the biological diversity and existence of natural ecosystems in Florida, surpassed only by direct habitat destruction!

Florida's terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are being invaded by a host of unwanted exotic plants - hundreds of species of plants from all over the world are now established in Florida.

These biological pollutants are having severe negative impacts on the state costing the citizens of Florida millions of $$$ annually.

Ecological Costs

Decreased bio-diversity
Altered natural ecosystems
Degraded wildlife habitat

Economic Costs

Millions of $$$ in losses annually in losses and control costs affecting agricultural, tourism, health, and other vital sectors of our economy

Resource Management Problems

Water supply
Removal and eradication
Negative impacts on recreational activities - fishing and water sport

...and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

There are literally dozens of other unwanted plant invaders established and disrupting natural ecosystems in Florida and the list is growing ...

How do they get here?

Well meaning introductions
Nurseries
Stowaways/hitchhikers
Private individuals
Storms

What can be done?

Education efforts to increase public awareness of the problem
Good stewardship - control/eliminate invasive exotics on private and public property
Focus groups - such FLEPPC, LEAP, and others are calling attention to this growing threat to Florida's wild lands
Increased research into control and eradication methods- UF Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, USDA - NIS, and others.
Addition of more species to Federal/State/Local - noxious weed and prohibited plant lists
Legislation/Enforcement