Success Stories
Brazilian Pepper-tree Invasion
Watch the video
Read the video transcript
Florida's natural ecosystems are being degraded by an invasion of non-native plants. This is affecting the survival and health of native plants, insects, and wildlife.
The Brazilian pepper-tree is one of the most aggressive of these non-native invaders. The Brazilian pepper-tree successfully colonizes native tree hammocks, pine flatlands and mangrove forest communities.
Where once there were ecologically productive mangrove communities, now there are pure stands of Brazilian pepper-trees. Scrub and pine flatwood communities are also being affected by this invasion. Nearly all terrestrial ecosystems in central and southern Florida are being encroached upon by the Brazilian pepper-tree.
Land managers and homeowners now are realizing the need to remove and stop the spread of the Brazilian pepper-trees.
The Brazilian pepper-tree is a native of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. It is thought to have been introduced into Florida in the 1840s as a cultivated ornamental plant. This tree is sensitive to cold temperatures, so it is more abundant in southern Florida and protected areas of central and north Florida.
University of Florida scientists have identified two insect species which may prove to be effective biological control agents, a sawfly and a thrips. The sawfly causes defoliation and the thrips feeds on new shoots. Researchers expect state authorization to release these insects in the future. However, their effectiveness for controlling the Brazilian pepper-tree in Florida is as yet unknown.
For more information, read the original article.
- Back to Success Stories
