Invasive beauty
Introduced plant species now outnumber the known species of Australian natives, botanists say. About 27,500 introduced plant species have made their way into the country, compared to 24,000 native plants. Many environmental weeds are successfully invading ecosystems. They have escaped from gardens and farms and are invading creeklines, woodlands and coastal areas. Many of these plants are fast growing and have highly successful reproductive and seed dispersal mechanisms, including abundant seed production, seeds that remain viable for many years, and fruit and seeds that are attractive to birds and mammals. They often have few predators or diseases to keep them under control in their new habitat. The pictured species is the seed setting stage of Stinking Roger, Monoculus monstrous. florabase.dbca.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/29418
Invasive beauty
Introduced plant species now outnumber the known species of Australian natives, botanists say. About 27,500 introduced plant species have made their way into the country, compared to 24,000 native plants. Many environmental weeds are successfully invading ecosystems. They have escaped from gardens and farms and are invading creeklines, woodlands and coastal areas. Many of these plants are fast growing and have highly successful reproductive and seed dispersal mechanisms, including abundant seed production, seeds that remain viable for many years, and fruit and seeds that are attractive to birds and mammals. They often have few predators or diseases to keep them under control in their new habitat. The pictured species is the seed setting stage of Stinking Roger, Monoculus monstrous. florabase.dbca.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/29418