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Invasive Plants

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Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera)

Air potato is an invasive plant species in Florida that should be removed from public and private properties to help protect the state's natural areas. It can quickly engulf native vegetation in natural areas, climbing high into mature tree canopies. It produces large numbers of bulbils (aerial tubers), which facilitate its spread and make it extremely difficult to eliminate because new plants sprout from even very small bulbils. It invades a variety of habitats including pinelands and hammocks of natural areas.

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Epipremnum (Pothos)

IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas

Pongamia

Millettia pannata

[header and thumbnail image: Pongamia spreading down a river in south Florida. Credit: Michael Sthreshley, UF/IFAS]

Publications

Showing 10 of 10 Publications

thumbnail for publication: Herbicides to Kill Invasive Trees in Home Landscapes and Surrounding Natural Areas

Herbicides to Kill Invasive Trees in Home Landscapes and Surrounding Natural Areas

S. F. Enloe and K. A. Langeland

Elaeagnus angustifolia: Russian Olive

Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson

Ailanthus altissima: Tree-of-Heaven

Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson

Paulownia tomentosa: Princess-Tree

Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson

Melia azedarach: Chinaberry

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, and Drew C. McLean

Lost in the Weeds?: A Comprehensive Guide to Florida's Many Non-Native Plant Lists

Deah Lieurance and Lyn A. Gettys

thumbnail for publication: Senna bicapsularis: Butterfly Bush

Senna bicapsularis: Butterfly Bush

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Leucaena leucocephala, White Leadtree

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop

In Florida, white leadtree is a prohibited species and therefore is not used in commercial applications in the state. However, in its native range it is used as a source of charcoal, fuel, and lumber. It has also been planted as a windbreak for crops such as coffee and cocoa, and some ranchers use the tree as a source of both shade and forage for cattle, with the pods being an excellent source of protein.

thumbnail for publication: Cat's-Claw Vine, Dolichandra unguis-cati—A Showy but Invasive Plant in Florida

Cat's-Claw Vine, Dolichandra unguis-cati—A Showy but Invasive Plant in Florida

Niels Proctor and Jason Smith

Cat’s-claw vine is a neotropical, climbing perennial that produces large and showy yellow flowers in the springtime. It is valued as an ornamental, particularly in dry areas, because it needs little water or care and can climb almost anything, covering fences and other structures with an attractive carpet of leaves and flowers. Unfortunately, the aggressive nature of the vine has made it a major weed in China, Australia, South Africa, and parts of the southeastern United States. This 6-page fact sheet provides guidance on identification, control, and similar native vines for home landscapes.

Ricinus communis, Castor Bean

Melissa H. Friedman, Michael G. Andreu, Heather V. Quintana, and Mary McKenzie

This document provides an overview of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), detailing its characteristics, uses, and potential hazards. It describes the plant’s growth habits, physical features, and its classification as an invasive species in Florida. The article also highlights the plant’s allergenic properties and the toxicity of its seeds, which contain ricin. Additionally, it outlines the commercial, horticultural, and medicinal applications of castor oil derived from the seeds, emphasizing the importance of careful handling due to the plant’s toxic nature. Original publication date May 2010.