Daily Archives: January 18, 2011

Nearly everywhere on the planet one can find non-native and invasive plants. One of the remarkable aspects of Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur (South Waterfront Ecological Reserve) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is that the plants and animals in the Reserve are mostly native species that established themselves with no help from man. Nonetheless, one can find some species that are clearly not native, and others that are native to Argentina that reported to be invasive when established in other locations. Cirsium vulgare (Bull Thistle or Spear Thistle) is a species that is not native to Argentina that is considered invasive there and in other locations around the globe. Ricinis communis (Castor Bean) is commercially grown in Argentina for castor oil but, when it escapes its cultivated area, it can become a noxious weed. Ipomoea purpurea (Common Morning Glory) and Ipomoea cairica (Coast Morning Glory) are both native to Argentina, but are sometimes considered invasive elsewhere. Finally, the beautiful Lantana camara (Shrub Verbena) is native to Argentina but invasive in India, Australia, Africa, and some places in the United States such as Florida and Hawaii. Continue reading →