bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hibiscus elatus (blue mahoe).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Due to its rapid growth rate and valuable wood, H. elatus has been introduced and grown in experimental and forestry plantations. It has been also introduced in tropical and warm temperature areas to be used as an ornamental and shade tree (Weaver and Francis, 1989). This early successional tree has escaped from cultivation and can be found naturalized in disturbed sites, secondary montane forests and foothills (Francis and Liogier, 1991; Graveson, 2012). Currently, H. elatus is listed as invasive only in Trinidad and Tobago (Trinidad and Tobago Biodiversity, 2016), but it is spreading and becoming abundant on many Caribbean islands such as Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Grenada and St Lucia (Francis and Liogier, 1991; Kairo et al., 2000; Salazar and Soihet, 2001; Graveson, 2012). A risk assessment for Hawaii gave the species a low risk score of 5 (PIER, 2016).
Hydrilla verticillata (hydrilla).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

H. verticillata is a submerged fast-growing aquatic herb. It has a highly effective survival strategy that makes it one of the most troublesome aquatic weeds of water bodies in the world. It has the potential to alter fishery populations, cause shifts in zooplankton communities and affect water chemistry. It forms dense masses, outcompeting native plants and interfering with many uses of waterways. It is readily dispersed by movement of plant fragments and can produce up to 6,000 tubers per m2. Tubers can remain viable for several days out of water or for over 4 years in undisturbed sediment. They are not impacted by most management activities, and a small percentage can sprout throughout the year making the species very difficult to manage or eradicate. It can be spread by water flow, waterfowl and recreational activities and is sold as an aquarium plant. Currently, this species is considered as one of the most aggressive invasive species in aquatic habitats. In the USA it has been listed as a Federal Noxious Weed since 1976, and is regarded as one of the worst invasive aquatic weed problems in Florida and much of the country. Its import is prohibited in Western Australia and Tasmania, and it is on the EPPO alert list.
Jatropha integerrima (peregrina).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Jatropha integerrima is a shrub to small tree native to Cuba, which has been introduced into tropical and subtropical areas worldwide as an ornamental species. Although it has become naturalized in some areas, it is not listed as an invasive species. The Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health only lists J. integerrima for comparison with other Jatropha species. J. integerrima can occasionally escape from cultivation in disturbed areas in Florida, and sometimes occurs in warmer parts of Australia. The species has little to no invasive potential in North America and a low invasion risk in Hawaii, USA.
Lawsonia inermis (Egyptian privet).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

L. inermis is a shrub or small tree widely cultivated as an ornamental and hedge plant and for the commercial production of henna, a dye extracted from its leaves (Oyen, 1991; Orwa et al., 2009; PROTA, 2017; USDA-ARS, 2017). This species has often become naturalized, particularly on alluvial soils along rivers. In some African regions (e.g., Madagascar) this species has become so common that there is no need for cultivation (PROTA, 2017). It is listed as invasive in Cuba (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012) and Singapore (Chong et al., 2009).
Lepidium virginicum (Virginian peppercress).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

L. virginicum is an annual herb that has been reported as capable of causing ecological or economic damage in the Pacific Islands, the Western USA and as spreading in Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands (GISD, 2016). It is a noxious weed causing economic losses in cultivated fields due to reduced crop yields (Romm, 1938; Jones Jr. and Davis, 1963; Coelho et al., 2009), and is a weed of turf in the USA. It is invasive in Cocos Island, China, Philippines, Hawaii (USA), Cuba, Ecuador, French Polynesia, Guam, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau and Tonga (Kim and Ewing, 2006; Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012; PIER, 2016). It is specifically listed as an invasive species of the sand dunes in South Korea (Kim and Ewing, 2006). In China it is a Group II Species, referring to species that occupy a large area and/or have a strong negative influence over the habitat (Liu et al., 2006). In Cuba it is invasive in citrus orchards, being one of the most problematic weeds (Otero-Pujol et al., 2015). A Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Hawaii gave the species a High Risk score of 17 (PIER, 2016).
Cucumis dipsaceus (hedgehog gourd).
Authors: Dube Shruti 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Cucumis dipsaceus is an annual climbing herb native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula that has become invasive in many regions around the world where it spread or was introduced. In Mexico, this species is possibly expanding and is classified as an invasive. In the Galapagos Islands C. dipsaceus has invaded a large area and is affecting the natural ecosystem by altering community composition and threatening native species.
Stictocardia tiliifolia (spottedheart).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Stictocardia tiliifolia is a climbing shrub with a pantropical distribution. It has occasional use as an ornamental. It has been reported as invasive in Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands, Mayotte, Fiji, Palau and French Polynesia. It is regarded as potentially invasive in Cuba. No further details are given about the invasiveness of S. tiliifolia or its impacts on other species or habitats. The inability of the species to produce seeds in some parts of its range lessens its weedy potential.
Medicago lupulina (black medick).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Medicago lupulina is an annual or short-lived perennial herb with a wide native range across Africa, Asia and Europe. It is a common weed in disturbed areas, wastelands, roadsides, abandoned pastures and forest margins. It is a nitrogen-fixing species cultivated for forage and used as a soil improver; it is also a seed contaminant of other crops. Currently, it is listed as invasive in the Philippines, Hawaii, New Zealand and a small number of islands in Oceania. However, there is limited information available about its environmental impact in these locations.
Merremia umbellata (hogvine).
Authors: Areces-Berazain Fabiola 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

M. umbellata is a climbing weed widely distributed in tropical regions throughout the world. It is one of the commonest and most widespread species of Merremia. Due to its attractive yellow flowers, it has been introduced as an ornamental in several countries where has become naturalized. It is typically found in disturbed areas and as a weed in agricultural crops and plantations, but little is known about its environmental impact. The PIER website (PIER, 2016) lists it as invasive in Hawaii, Fiji, Micronesia, French Polynesia, New Caledonia and the Galápagos Islands, although regional floras and reports (see references in the distribution table) do not explicitly indicate so. It is also considered invasive in Cuba (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012) and American Samoa (Speith and Harrison, 2012).
Melilotus officinalis (yellow sweet clover).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Melilotus officinalis is a herbaceous legume species, native to parts of Asia and possibly Europe (sources differ on this), that has been extensively introduced to be used as a forage and nitrogen-fixing crop. It has escaped from cultivation and become an invasive weed in many temperate and tropical regions; it can also be toxic to livestock. It is a prolific seeder, and its seeds can remain viable in the soil for many years. It is fast-growing and can grow in a wide range of environmental conditions. Like other nitrogen-fixing legumes, M. officinalis has the potential to alter soil conditions and nutrient cycling. It is allelopathic and so forms dense monospecific stands that displace and inhibit the establishment of native vegetation. In North America, infestations reduce the occurrence of natural fires and degrade native grassland communities that depend on frequent fires. In Alaska and Canada, this species is a serious problem on waterways because it is invading glacial river floodplains. Currently, it is recognized as a conservation problem in North America because it is invading critical natural areas such as national parks and protected lands.
Manilkara zapota (sapodilla).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Praciak Andrew 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

M. zapota, commonly known as sapodilla, is an evergreen tree, 5-20 m tall, with a round, dense crown. Its native range encompasses Central America, Mexico and the West Indies, but it is now widely cultivated for its fruit to a greater or lesser extent in tropical and subtropical lowlands worldwide. It is an important fruit tree all over South-East Asia, grown in home gardens, orchards and plantations. The largest producers of sapodilla fruit are India, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia, but it is also grown commercially elsewhere in Asia, South and Central America, and Florida in the USA. Escapes from plantations have caused the species to be classed as a moderately invasive weed in the tropics (Binggeli et al., 1998), although in the USA it is of particular concern in southern and central Florida, where it is classed as a Category I invasive displacing the native flora (Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, 2001). It is also listed as invasive in Trinidad and Tobago (Trinidad and Tobago Biodiversity, 2017). Trees cast dense shade, making it difficult for other plants to survive in the understorey. Seedlings also grow very densely, inhibiting the establishment of native plant species.
Alocasia cucullata (Chinese taro).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Alocasia cucullata is a clumping evergreen herbaceous plant that is grown as a food plant and as an ornamental in areas within and outside its native distribution range of tropical and temperate Asia. This species spreads by seed and vegetatively by root suckers, rhizomes and corm fragments. It is listed as invasive in Cuba, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Micronesia and French Polynesia. It is also listed in the Global Compendium of Weeds. A. cucullata is considered an invasive species with the potential to colonize and become naturalized in the understorey of rainforests and moist areas along streams and riverbanks.
Opuntia stricta (erect prickly pear).
Authors: Pasiecznik Nick , Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Opuntia stricta is a cactus species native to the Americas that has been introduced worldwide as a popular ornamental. This species escaped from cultivation and has become invasive in many countries across Africa and Australia, but also more recently in the Mediterranean basin. Large and serious invasions have been reported in Australia, South Africa, Namibia, Yemen, India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and lately also Spain and some North African countries. It has also become naturalized in many other regions (primarily in Africa and Asia) where it has not yet been recorded as a pest. In South Africa and Namibia large infestations have been reported, mainly in dry savanna bushlands, while in Australia all states are invaded with widespread populations invading southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales. Successful biological control programmes have, however, severely reduced the spread of this species in many areas where introduced, though there continues to be a risk of further introduction through the nursery trade.
Paspalum conjugatum (buffalo grass).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Paspalum conjugatum is a vigorous, creeping perennial grass with long stolons and dense culms that may grow up to 1 m tall. It has been extensively introduced as a forage and lawn grass and it can now be found naturalized across tropical and subtropical regions. P. conjugatum tolerates high levels of disturbance and pollution, grows vigorously under partial shade, spreads easily by seeds and stolons, and can withstand acidic and low-nutrient soils. Once established, this grass behaves as an aggressive weed in active pastures and agricultural lands, but also in disturbed and undisturbed natural forests and grasslands. It forms a dense ground cover that competes with and inhibits the establishment of other plant species, including other grasses and crops. In the Pacific region, it has been stated that some native forests have become extinct due to this grass pest.
Pachira aquatica (pachira nut).
Authors: Areces-Berazain Fabiola 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Pachira aquatica is a tree of seasonally inundated plains of Central and South America. It is often cultivated as an ornamental and has been introduced for this purpose in the USA, the Antilles, Paraguay and many Old World countries, where it is sold mostly as an indoor plant under the name "money tree". Currently listed as invasive only in Dominican Republic and the south of Brazil, although its impact is not known (Kairo et al., 2003; Randall, 2012; Iabin, 2017). Reported as naturalized in the island of Pohnpei of the Federated States of Micronesia (Randall, 2012).
Albizia niopoides (silk tree).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Albizia niopoides is a pioneer species often planted as an ornamental and shade tree. It is also used for forage and to improve soil conditions in disturbed areas. This species is a prolific seeder and seeds can germinate after being in storage for 1 to 2 years. Currently, A. niopoides is listed as invasive in Hawaii, India and Cuba, and can be found naturalized in Madagascar, Nigeria and Mauritius. It is an aggressive colonizer of abandoned pastures, roadsides, and other highly disturbed sites.
Thymophylla tenuiloba (Dahlberg daisy).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Thymophylla tenuiloba is a small annual or short-lived perennial herb native to Texas and northern Mexico. It is used as an ornamental species and has escaped from cultivation in some parts of its distribution range. It is reported as invasive in the Bahamas, Hawaii and in some of the US states bordering the Gulf Coast. No details are available on its invasiveness and its effect over other species or habitats. T. tenuiloba is listed as an alien species in Anguilla, Cuba and parts of the USA; it is included in the Global Invasive Species Database but with no further information and also listed as a species of concern to Pacific ecosystems. T. tenuiloba is considered to be potentially invasive in Saba and Curaçao and listed as an environmental weed in Queensland, Australia.
Popillia japonica (Japanese beetle).
Authors: Klein Michael 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

The Japanese beetle was first discovered in New Jersey, USA in 1916. It probably entered the USA as grubs with iris bulbs before 1912 when plant materials were first examined. Although not a pest in Japan, extensive, well-watered, turf, and a lack of parasites, allowed populations to rapidly build up and spread steadily west to the Mississippi River. The loss of the chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides, and the end of the Federal quarantine on nursery stock, has allowed beetles to move into western states at a rapid rate. Beetles are pests of quarantine concern in the western USA and Europe. P. japonica was found on Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal in the 1980s. Again, extensive turf allowed establishment of beetles, population explosions, the infestation of that island, and subsequently of three more of the Azorean Islands. Beetles have moved considerably outside of the climatic conditions in their native Japan.
Parthenium hysterophorus (parthenium weed).
Authors: Weyl Philip , Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine , Shabbir Asad , Parker Chris 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorus is an annual herb that aggressively colonizes disturbed sites. It is considered as one of the '100 most invasive species in the world' by the IUCN (GISD, 2018). Native to the New World, it has been accidentally introduced into several countries and has become a serious agricultural and rangeland weed in parts of Australia, Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands. It is reported as a major weed in field crops in more than 45 countries (Bajwa et al., 2016; Shabbir et al., 2019), with yield losses estimated in millions of dollars in Australia (Kaur et al., 2014). It grows on any type of soil and in a wide range of habitats. It affects the production of crops, animals, human and animal health, and biodiversity. Several characteristics, such as wide adaptability, photo- and thermo-insensitivity, lack of natural enemies in non-native regions, drought tolerance, strong competition and allelopathy, high seed production ability, longevity of seeds in soil seed banks, and small and light seeds that are capable of long distance travel via wind, water, birds, vehicles, farm machinery and other animal traffic, contribute to its rapid introduction world-wide, cutting across national boundaries and climate barriers (Kaur et al., 2014; Bajwa et al., 2016). The genetic diversity found among different populations and biotypes are also strongly contributing to its invasion success (Bajwa et al., 2018). The species is reported as invasive in various countries in Asia, Africa, and Oceania (Gnanavel, 2013; EPPO, 2018; GISD, 2018; PIER, 2018). In the Americas, it is reported as invasive in Cuba, and in Trinidad and Tobago. In Cuba it is considered as one of the most noxious species (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012). Although listed as introduced by various sources it is also listed as native by others (USDA-ARS, 2018). In Trinidad and Tobago it is a predominant weed of industrial areas, crops, orchards, ornamentals and greenhouses (Bridgemohan et al., 2015).
Sechium edule (chayote).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Sechium edule is a vine native to Mexico that has been widely introduced and cultivated for human consumption. The fruits, tubers, seeds and young shoots are edible and widely commercialized. This species has escaped from cultivation and now grows spontaneously on abandoned agricultural lands and disturbed sites near villages and roadsides. Under favorable environmental conditions, S. edule grows copiously and can form dense colonies. The climbing stems may be several meters in length and may ascent high into forest canopies, engulfing native vegetation and shading-out plants in the understory. S. edule can also suffocate and breakdown trees and shrubs that support it due to its heavy weight. Currently, it is listed as invasive in Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, New Caledonia, Reunion, Bismarck Archipelago and Hawaii.
Solanum quitoense (naranjilla).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Solanum quitoense is a perennial shrub, native to the montane forests of Colombia and Ecuador. It is widely cultivated for its fruit in areas within and outside its native distribution range. It has escaped from cultivation to establish weedy populations mainly in disturbed open sites, secondary forests and along roadsides and trails. Once established, this species grows as a weed and has the potential to rapidly colonize and dominate large areas in the understory affecting the germination and establishment of native vegetation. Currently it is listed as invasive in the Galapagos Islands and in the Dominican Republic. There is some concern that this species could also become an invasive weed in other tropical areas where it has been introduced.
Tecoma capensis (cape honeysuckle).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

T. capensis is an evergreen vine-like shrub that is widely cultivated in tropical areas and in warm temperate regions of the world as an ornamental and hedge plant (Orwa et al., 2009; USDA-ARS, 2016). T. capensis spreads by wind-dispersed seeds, but also by cuttings and rooted suckers which are traits that have helped it to escape from cultivation and become naturalized in secondary forests, forest margins and ruderal sites (Mutshinyalo and Notten, 2016; PIER, 2016; PROTA, 2016; Weeds of Australia, 2016). Currently, it is listed as invasive in Cuba, the Azores, Madeira, Australia and New Zealand, mainly due to its scrambling habit and the capability to form dense thickets that smother other plants (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012; DAISIE, 2016; ISSG, 2016; Weeds of Australia, 2016).
Cascabela thevetia (yellow oleander).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Cascabela thevetia is a fast-growing woody species native to tropical North and South America that has been extensively introduced as an ornamental. It behaves as an aggressive weed that grows to form large and dense thickets, especially in low-lying areas and along watercourses, that displace native vegetation and alter successional processes. In addition, all parts of the plant are extremely toxic and can be fatal to humans and other animals if consumed. Currently, it is included in the Global Invasive Species Database and has been listed as invasive and as a noxious weed in East Timor, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Australia, Anguilla, Cuba, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Fiji and other islands in the Pacific region.
Clitoria ternatea (butterfly-pea).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

C. ternatea is a pasture legume also commercialized as a garden ornamental that has been widely introduced in agroforestry systems in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Traits such as its high growth-rates, drought tolerance and adaptation to heavy clay soils suggest that this species could be used to improve natural grasslands (Staples, 1992). However, these traits have also helped this species to escape from cultivation and become an invasive species in river banks, creek lines, the margins of waterholes, irrigation channels, disturbed sites, roadsides and disturbed open woodlands and grasslands in Australia, Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands, Fiji, and on many islands in the Pacific region (Smith, 1985; Wagner et al., 1999; PIER, 2016; Weeds of Australia, 2016). C. ternatea is an aggressive colonizer of disturbed sites and open areas with the capability to displace and completely outcompete native vegetation (Weeds of Australia, 2016). Past risk assessments have given it a score of 7 (reject) for Australia and 9 (high risk) for the Pacific (PIER, 2016).
Yucca aloifolia (Spanish bayonet).
Authors: Kaufman Sylvan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Y. aloifolia is an evergreen shrub in the Asparagaceae family that grows mainly in the coastal plain of the southern United States and Mexico along dunes, roadsides and in open coastal forests. Some sources also list it as native to islands in the Caribbean (Trelease, 1902; Jones and Goode, 1884; USDA-ARS, 2016). It is widely planted as an ornamental and living fence in temperate and tropical regions around the world and has the ability to spread by seed and vegetatively. It is listed as a transformative species in Plantas Invasoras en Cuba (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012). It is considered an environmental weed in New South Wales, Australia (Weeds of Australia, 2016) and invasive on coastal dunes in Valencia, Spain (Ferrer Marino and Donat, 2011). It has naturalized in scrublands of South Africa (Smith et al., 2012). In the USA it is naturalized in California (LSA Associates, 2010). There is no information on what environmental effects the species has on habitats, ecosystems or populations but since it can form dense stands (Sydney Weeds Committee, 2016), it is likely to compete with native species. The leaves are tipped with very sharp points and can cause an allergic reaction (Kanerva et al., 2001). There is no evidence that it is considered a weed in agricultural systems.