Download Invasive Plants Big words, simple meanings… What does this mean?

Big words, simple meanings…
Invasive Plants
Some plants and animals are described as invasive.
What does this mean?
An invasive is an introduced
plant that spreads widely
through its new habitat,
harming native plant and
animal communities.
A
The environmental cost of
introducing non-native
plants into the ecosystem
can be very high. So,
please, think twice
before bringing exotic
plants into Montserrat!
There are many examples of
invasive plants throughout the
world. Two examples in
Montserrat are: Casuarina
equisetifolia (A) and purple
allamanda (B).
B
For more information, please
contact the Centre Hills Project
Office. Tel: 491 3088
Alien plant invades Montserrat
Spathoglottis plicata is an alien
orchid that is invading Montserrat
native habitats. It is originally from
Southeast Asia. Monitoring this
plant is essential to understand its
impacts on native species.
How to recognize the invader:
• is an orchid that usually grows on
the ground
• has showy purple flowers clustered
on top of a long stalk
• leaves look similar to a young
coconut palm.
For more information contact
the Centre Hills Project Office.
Tel: 491 3088
Alien plant invades
Montserrat
Purple allamanda, Cryptostegia
madagascariensis, is an alien
invasive plant that is threatening
Montserrat’s native habitats.
Originally from Madagascar, it is a
popular horticultural plant that
spreads rapidly by wind blown
seeds.
How to recognize the invader:
• is a multiple stem shrub that can
reach 2m
• has a purple flower
• has shiny dark green leaves
• produces milky sap which can
cause skin irritation.
For more information contact the
Centre Hills Project Office.
Tel: 491 3088
Alien plant invades Montserrat
Casuarina equisetifolia is an alien invasive plant that is threatening
Montserrat’s native habitats. Originally from Australia and the Pacific
Islands, it is a species that spreads rapidly by wind blown seeds.
How to recognize the invader:
• Prefers dry sandy soils, especially
near the seashore
• Colonises fresh volcanic ash
A
• Is a tree to more than 100ft
producing a dense shade
• Has fine green branches, often
drooping (A)
• The fruit is a small nut that
contains many winged seeds
B
that are wind dispersed (B)
For more information contact
the Centre Hills Project Office.
Tel: 491 3088