List of the most common invasive plants in the world. This includes the top 20 invasive plants…
List of invasive plants in the world
Invasive species
Invasive plants are plants that, after being introduced into a new habitat , end up dominating the entire area, expelling native species that were already there. A species becomes invasive if it has characteristics that make it able to survive in different habitats, as well as a very efficient reproductive system that allows the production of a large number of seeds that are dispersed by different dispersing agents.
An invasive plant can appear in a new location spontaneously, or on purpose when introduced (by humans ). Exotic plants that have the potential to become invasive, however, not all of these species are invasive. A species can be considered invasive in one country and native to another, so these definitions only apply by country.
Different countries have in their legislation a list of plants and animals that cannot enter because they have the potential to become invasive. Certain countries even prohibit the entry of certain species for fear that their flight will harm the balance of ecosystems .
The list that follows takes into account not the fact that the plant is invasive , but rather the ability of these species to become invasive if they find the right conditions to develop.
List with 20 of the most invasive plants:
invasive species
acacia mearnsii
A very fast-growing tree, it competes with native species, particularly herbaceous ones , eventually supplanting them, which favors a decrease in biodiversity . At the same time, as it is a plant from hot regions, it tends to absorb a large amount of water, leaving the reserves of the riparian areas below.
Arundo donax
This species of reeds is often found close to water sources, frequently invading riparian zones , which causes considerable changes in the cycles of matter associated with these ecosystems . Its positive side is the long time it takes to colonize an area.
Taxifolia stem
This species is a highly invasive algae , which is usually introduced into rivers due to aquarium hobby, as it is highly appreciated as a decoration for aquariums, and may inadvertently end up escaping and spreading in rivers due to sewage water.
Stiff clidemia
A shrub with invasive characteristics , particularly in tropical regions, where it colonizes all open spaces under the treetops, preventing other species from regenerating. Its introduction is associated with disturbed soils .
euphorbia esula
This species is found all over the world, with the exception of Australia, thus denoting its great capacity as an invader . These plants appear before native species, forcing them to compete for available resources and displacing indigenous species.
japonica fallopia
A species capable of colonizing different habitats , with different climatic conditions, leading several countries to consider it an invasive plant. Its roots create a vast system that invades new territories dislodging the specimens that were initially there. The cut favors its growth and makes the individual stronger.
Hedychium gardnerianum
Its appearance contributed to the use of this species as an ornamental, thus allowing it to be introduced in different areas. Its adaptive capacity allows it to inhabit in different conditions, as well as the fact that it forms quite dense colonies allows it to become a good invader .
hiptage benghalensis
Its fruit is winged, thus facilitating its transport by the wind and, as such, its dissemination over greater distances. Its flowers contributed to the preference of this species for use as an ornamental in gardens and parks. Its growth is also intense which suffocates the other species present in the place.
cylindrical imperata
Common species in humid tropical countries, it has spread to dry tropical areas where it behaves like a weed. It has very extensive rhizomes which allows it to settle in poorer soils and being resistant to fire , it can always recover faster than native species.
lantana camera
This species has a large number of varieties that have spread across several countries. Its propagation is due to the destruction of forests to turn them into pasture or agricultural fields . These unbalance native forests , and may even lead to their disappearance.
Leucaena leucocephala
Species with a very fast growth, and capable of fixing nitrogen make it a very interesting species to grow as forage. It becomes an aggressive invader when present in disturbed terrain. After its implementation it is difficult to remove it.
tea tree quinquenervia
Species supports its reproduction in the sufficient production of seeds . This species is even fire resistant allowing it to regenerate more quickly and occupy the places that were left by native species that were not fire resistant. Once introduced, it is difficult to control.
Myrica faya
Fast-growing species produces large numbers of seeds that are dispersed to various locations, where they form new population foci . These give preference to exposed habitats , eventually expelling other species due to competition and good adaptive capacity. This invader has a great influence on nitrogen cycles , and can even unbalance it.
Opuntia stricta
This species is highly invasive in Australia and in certain areas of Africa, where it has found good conditions to reproduce and spread. Its introduction was due to its interest as an ornamental species. Its fragments have the ability to take root for a long time after being cut, allowing them to be transported.
pinus pinaster
This species has a high capacity for regeneration, tending to invade the surrounding lands, often suffocating and supplanting the species that were there. Its prevalence leads to changes in hydrological cycles, as well as in the habitat of various living beings .
glandular prosopis
This species is a shrub that competes with other native species for resources . After establishing itself, this creates dense forests where it ends up suffocating the herbaceous species that existed there, reducing its growth, also contributing to the decrease of biodiversity .
Pueraria montana var. Lobata
It recovers quickly after disturbances, be it cutting or fire , making it difficult to control it once it is implanted. The biggest impacts it causes are the loss of diversity , as well as the loss of ecosystem productivity .
Schinus terebinthifolius
Pioneer species in disturbed places, being able to become quite aggressive towards other species with which they share resources. The shade produced by its leaves discourages the installation of fauna , as well as other species of flora .
Spathodea campanulata
This species prefers warm and humid habitats , usually invades agricultural areas and forested areas , causing the other species to disappear, becoming the predominant species in these regions.
ulex europaeus
Species that predominates in regions of dense bush, being extremely competitive , and may even contribute to soil alteration , thus preventing the survival of native species.