Alien Invaders

Green-thumb types keep a vigilant eye on back-yard oases and are quick to pluck strange-looking weeds before they become firmly rooted. Surprise, Miami gardeners: The real problem might be that pretty purple-flowered orchid tree you purchased at the nursery. A quick perusal of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s list...

By Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik

June 22, 2006

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Green-thumb types keep a vigilant eye on back-yard oases and are quick to pluck strange-looking weeds before they become firmly rooted. Surprise, Miami gardeners: The real problem might be that pretty purple-flowered orchid tree you purchased at the nursery. A quick perusal of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s list of invasive species reveals beautiful blossoms like Brazilian jasmine, guava, and fruit-bearing sapodilla. “People need to become more educated, rather than just buying what the neighbor has,” cautions National Park Service biologist Tony Pernas. His job finds him tromping through Palmetto Bay, the Everglades, Big Cypress, and parts of the U.S. Virgin Islands, seeking to safely destroy foliage that threatens naturally thriving species. Tonight at 7:30, Pernas and the Florida Trail will present an interesting, informative, free lecture called “Exotic Plants and Control Efforts in South Florida” in Room 900 at Palmetto Senior High School. Call 305-226-4232.
Thu., June 22

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