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This datasheet on Spathoglottis plicata covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Further Information.

This datasheet on Asystasia gangetica covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Spathodea campanulata covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Management, Economics, Further Information.

This datasheet on Lonicera japonica covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

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).

C. chinense is a highly invasive weed in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. This species has the capacity to move into a habitat and reproduce aggressively by root suckers. C. chinense is classified as a "major weed" in Hawaii, Fiji, Western Samoa, and America Samoa (PIER, 2012) where it grows commonly along roadsides and as an ornamental shrub in gardens. This species rapidly invades pastures and plantations wherever it is planted forming dense thickets that exclude other species (Space and Flynn, 2002; Motooka et al., 2003). In the West Indies, C. chinense is included in lists of invasive species in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands (Acevedo-Rodríguez and Strong, 2012; González et al., 2012) and is classified as a widespread exotic plant in the Lesser Antilles (including Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Montserrat, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent; Broome et al., 2007).

This datasheet on Inga mucuna covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Further Information.

This datasheet on Colubrina asiatica covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Paspalum notatum covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Kalanchoe delagoensis covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

Pachystachys coccinea is a perennial evergreen shrub cultivated as an ornamental and garden plant for its red flowers on flashy terminal spikes. It has escaped from cultivation and is often found naturalized in damp thickets and at forest edges. Presently, P. coccinea is only listed as invasive in Cuba and as a "common" alien species in Trinidad and Tobago.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is probably the most popular and widely cultivated Kalanchoe species. It is often planted as an indoor potted plant and as an outdoor ornamental. This species has escaped from cultivation and can be found naturalized in disturbed and waste areas near cultivation. Currently it is listed as invasive in the Dominican Republic, Chile and the Galapagos Islands.

Oldenlandia lancifolia is a herbaceous plant that behaves as an agricultural and environmental weed. It produces large amounts of tiny seeds that can be easily dispersed by water, animals and vehicles, or as a contaminant in soil and agricultural produce. It tolerates waterlogged conditions and can be found growing as an aquatic and semi-aquatic herb. Under suitable environmental conditions, it can form dense tangled mats that outcompete native plant species and can also alter the aquatic and riverine ecology of colonized areas.

This datasheet on Euphorbia neriifolia covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Further Information.

This datasheet on Callisia repens covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Further Information.

Dolichandra unguis-cati is a vigorous, woody vine that can climb up to 15 m or higher. Due to its showy yellow flowers, it has been widely introduced as a garden ornamental. It has escaped from cultivation and become a significant invader of cultivated orchards, riparian corridors, natural forest remnants and disturbed areas, such as roadsides and urban spaces. D. unguis-cati clings tenaciously to any substrate with adventitious roots and clawed tendrils. This vigorous growth allows it to sprawl over other vegetation and, through a combination of both shading and weight, it can kill even large canopy trees. In the absence of climbing support, D. unguis-cati grows along the ground forming a thick carpet that inhibits the growth and seed germination of native understorey vegetation including native grasses, herbs and seedlings of shrubs and trees. Currently, this vine species is listed as invasive in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Mauritius, New Caledonia, Cuba, the Bahamas and the USA including Hawaii, Florida and Texas (Kairo et al., 2003; Henderson, 2001; Weber et al., 2008; Weeds of Australia, 2011; Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012; Randall, 2012; PIER, 2016).

This datasheet on Themeda arguens covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

Genetics: The chromosome number reported for S. junceum varies from 2n = 48, 2n = 52, 2n = 54 to 2n = 56 (Afzal-Rafii et al., 1986). Reproductive Biology: S. junceum is a fast-growing, perennial shrub that can live for up to 30 years. Its flowers are hermaphroditic, zygomorphic, yellow in colour and borne in terminal clusters or racemes. It is predominantly a xenogamous (outcrossed) species and its flowers are pollinated by insects, particularly bees (López et al., 1999; Zouhar, 2005). S. junceum begins to produce seeds when plants are two to three years old. This species is a prolific seeder with the potential to produce between 7000 and 10,000 seeds per plant in just one season (Zouhar, 2005; Silva et al., 2008). Under natural conditions, germination rates are approximately 70%. Scarification treatments, such as hot water immersion, dry heat, sulfuric acid treatment and water soak, effectively break seed dormancy and increase germination rates to between 78% and 92% (Travlos et al., 2007). This species produces large seed banks and seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to 30 years (DiTomaso and Kyser, 2013; Geerts et al., 2013; USDA-NRCS, 2017). Physiology and Phenology: S. junceum has a range of xerophytic adaptations. The stem is adapted to reduce the effects of overheating through the profiled positioning of the vegetative parts of the plant. The species has small leaves, which it loses before summer to reduce transpiration and to increase its tolerance to drought stress. The grass-shaped stem helps to reduce the total exposed area of the plant, whereas the root is well developed and ramified. The leaves of S. junceum have thick cuticles with a waxy layer and the plant produces oils that reduce evapotranspiration, which also reduces the temperature of the plant's microenvironment (Bezić et al., 2003).In California, shoots of S. junceum begin to grow in late winter and early spring. They elongate quickly and produce leaves with long internodes by March, with the most rapid growth occurring in May. Leaf longevity is four months or less, although stem photosynthesis occurs all year. Flowers are produced in May and pods mature in late June and early July (Nilsen et al., 1993; Zouhar, 2005). In South Africa, it has been recorded flowering from August to November, while in Lebanon it flowers from May to August (Invasive Species South Africa, 2017). In Europe, S. junceum has been recorded in flower from June to September, and in fruit from August to October (PFAF, 2017). AssociationsS. junceum has a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria that form nodules on its roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen (PFAF, 2017). Environmental RequirementsS. junceum can grow on poor, dry and stony limestone soils. It is well adapted to rocky or sandy soils, clays, loams and sandy loams with a pH in the range of 5.5 to 7.5; it is also adapted to soils with high salt concentrations. This species has morphological adaptations to xerophytic conditions that allow it to endure severe drought. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate urban pollution, salt-laden winds near the coast and temperatures as low as -10°C (Bezić et al., 2003; Zouhar, 2005; Silva et al., 2008; DiTomaso and Kyser, 2013; Geerts et al., 2013).

This datasheet on Xanthosoma sagittifolium covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Further Information.

C. procera is a fleshy evergreen shrub about 1.8-5.5 m tall, with a diameter at breast height of 15-20 cm (von Maydell, 1986). The flowers are pale green to white, with purple tips. A fibre obtained from the bark is used to make lines, bow-strings and twine; it can also be spun with cotton, or used to stuff mattresses and pillows. The fibre is strengthened by soaking in water for 1-2 days, but extensive soaking may reduce durability. The wood is of small dimensions and is too light for most uses. C. procera produces a distinctive white latex, which contains cardiotoxins and hydrocarbons with many medicinal and pesticidal properties. C. procera has been widely planted for fibre production and has become naturalized on the American and Australian continents. It is often abundant on degraded areas and is an indicator of overgrazing. C. procera is a widespread pioneer in semi-desert grassland and bushland (e.g. in Africa), and it also colonizes shifting sand-dunes such as in Rajasthan, India. However, due to its properties as a pioneer, there is a risk that this species may become a weed. More research is needed on C. procera to maximize production and marketing of its many potential products.

This datasheet on Centratherum punctatum covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Further Information.

S. oleraceus is a common seed crop contaminant and has been carried either deliberately or accidentally by humans to almost every corner of the earth, where it invades mainly open and disturbed areas. It grows in a wide variety of environments on a wide range of substrates - roadsides, cultivated land, gardens, construction sites, sand dunes, logged or burned areas, on walls, mountain slopes, and near water. Once introduced to a new area the plants spread quickly because they grow and flower quickly and produce copious wind- and bird-dispersed seeds that germinate quickly in large numbers. They invade many cropped areas, especially among vegetable and winter crops. They are almost perfect 'designer weeds'. Additionally, this species has small light seeds which are easily dispersed by wind and water.

This datasheet on Cyperus imbricatus covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

Phyllostachys flexuosa is a fast-growing bamboo that is often cultivated as an ornamental and for its culms. This species expands quickly by underground rhizomes and has the potential to form dense stands and outcompete native vegetation and alter soil conditions. Currently, it is listed as invasive only in Cuba and New Caledonia.

This datasheet on Malvaviscus penduliflorus covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Aristida ternipes covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Further Information.

Genetics: The chromosome number reported for C. dactylon varies from 2n = 18 to 2n = 36 with diploid and polyploid populations (Cook et al., 2005). Ramakrishan and Singh (1966) and Sarandon (1991) have found differences in total biomass and biomass partition according to the origin of the population. Sarandon (1991) points out that characters are highly heritable, which means that high genetic variability for biomass production and variable architecture allows an ample base for selection, which in most cases is induced by herbicides, mechanical control or forage production. Reproductive Biology: C. dactylon is wind-pollinated and generally self-incompatible, suffering from inbreeding depression when genotypes are self-pollinated. Quantitative traits such as seed yield and forage yield can be dramatically negatively affected by inbreeding depression (Cook et al., 2005). In diploid populations, caryopses are formed after zygote formation. In polyploids, which are sterile, caryopses may be apomictic. Physiology: This C4 plant (Kissmann, 1991) has high rates of accumulation under adequate irradiance, water and nutrient supply and may consume 75 kg of N, 20 kg of P and more than 1,500,000 litres of water for 5000 kg/ha of biomass dry matter (Fernandez, 1991). In the south of Santa Fe province, Argentina, a maximum biomass of 8000 kg/ha may be generated under a summer crop of maize or sunflower with >75% located in the first 10 cm of the soil profile (Lombardo, 1973), whereas in Balcarce (Argentina) about 5000 kg/ha is commonly found in maize or sunflower stubble. Phenology: A photoperiod of 13 hours induces flowering. Low night temperatures coupled with high diurnal temperatures induces blooming (Nir and Koller, 1976). A reduction in irradiance drastically decreases inflorescence production (Moreira, 1975). In North America, annual plants reproduce during spring and perennial plants reproduce all year long (USDA-NRCS, 2014). Longevity: C. dactylon grows as both an annual and perennial grass. The annual growth-form becomes dormant and turns brown when nighttime temperatures fall below freezing or average daytime temperatures are below 10°C (Cook et al., 2005). Activity Patterns: Seeds may be the route of invasion in weed-free fields through the faeces of cows (Rodriguez, personal communication). Rhizome biomass exhibits an annual cyclic pattern and, as with any perennial weed, low temperatures reduce biomass and viability is lost as a consequence of the consumption of materials due to respiration and maintenance. The digestibility of stocked material is severely decreased, implying a loss in forage quality (Vaz Martins, 1989). This is a character that has largely improved in cultivated varieties. Each node has a physiological self-governing structure in relation to the apex, but is highly dependent on substances from other plant parts. The mother plant determines the runner growth pattern on the soil surface according to the sugar-gibberellin balance (Montaldi 1970). Node disconnection may be caused by natural decay and cultivation and produces damage in the breakdown zone and changes in hormone and nutrient relationships. It is widely demonstrated that rhizome or runner fragmentation induces the activation of buds. The proportion of activated buds increases as the number of buds per segment decreases (Moreira, 1980; Kigel and Koller, 1985; Fernandez and Bedmar, 1992). The cultivation method is mainly responsible for vegetative propagation fragmentation. The higher the cultivation intensity, the smaller the segments produced (Kigel and Koller, 1985). Population Size and Structure This weed produces an enormous number of small seeds (0.25-0.30 mg), the viability and dormancy of which are highly variable according to genotype and the conditions when formed. The seed is important because it confers high genetic variability on the population. Perez et al. (1995) recorded a very low germination rate. Uygur et al. (1985) obtained up to 15% germination at constant temperatures of 35-40°C, and 50% at temperatures alternating between 20 and 30°C. Moreira (1975) obtained up to 80% germination with the help of nitrate, chilling and alternating temperatures, and Elias (1986) recorded up to 96% germination from heavier samples of seed. Seeds remain viable in the soil for at least 2 years (Caixinhas et al., 1988). As a rule, cultivars have relatively high viability. Osmo-conditioning of Bermuda grass seeds with PEG followed by immediate sowing improved seed germination and seedling growth under saline conditions (Al-Humaid 2002). The probability of emergence and successful establishment of C. dactylon decreases with the depth of the fragment, but increases with the weight of the node and internode (Perez et al., 1998). Growth from plants originated from a runner may exhibit a different biomass partition than that from plants originated from a rhizome (Fernandez, 1986). From sprouting onwards, weed growth is controlled mainly by temperature (optimum 25-30°C) and radiation, but also by humidity and soil fertility. The efficiency of carbohydrate reserve usage during sprout growth is highly dependent on temperature and the type of vegetative structure; it is maximum at 20°C and is higher for rhizomes than for stolons (Satorre et al., 1996). Runners and rhizome growth begins 30 days after growth but only if soil temperature is >15°C. Rates of 15 g/g/day have been recorded in Argentina (Lescano de Ríos, 1982).

This datasheet on Tradescantia pallida covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Further Information.

Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora has been widely cultivated as an ornamental and has escaped from cultivation to become invasive in disturbed sites, riverbanks, wasteland, along roadsides, and shrublands (Ensbey et al., 2011; Weeds of Australia, 2016, Weeds of New Zealand, 2016). This species is well adapted to grow in a wide range of environmental conditions and soil types (it may grow in any soil, wet or dry, poor or rich). It competes aggressively with native vegetation for resources such as water and nutrients and it has the potential to displace native vegetation primarily in riparian areas and moist shrublands. Once established, it moves rapidly down watercourses into natural forests. The mass of corms in the soil contributes to the breakdown and erosion of natural creek and riverbanks (Ensbey et al., 2011; Weeds of the Blue Mountains, 2016).

This datasheet on Leonurus japonicus covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Further Information.

This datasheet on Agave vivipara covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Alternanthera sessilis covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

C. crepidiodes is an invasive herb included in the Global Compendium of Weeds and classified as one of the most aggressive weeds occurring in tropical and subtropical regions (Randall, 2012). It is a pioneer species with the capability to produce large amounts of hairy wind-dispersed seeds. However, Chen et al. (2009) suggest that seed dispersal ability is limited. Chen et al. (2009) report that the species has only a moderate invasive capacity and that its wide distribution in China possibly correlates with its cultivation.

This datasheet on Vitex trifolia covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Apis mellifera capensis covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Clerodendrum paniculatum covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

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.

This datasheet on Melaleuca quinquenervia covers Identity, Overview, Associated Diseases, Pests or Pathogens, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Management, Genetics and Breeding, Economics, Further Information.

This datasheet on Jasminum fluminense covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Plumeria rubra covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Further Information.

This datasheet on Bacopa monnieri covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Further Information.

This datasheet on Cardiospermum grandiflorum covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Pistia stratiotes covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Clerodendrum quadriloculare covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Merremia tuberosa covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

Launaea intybacea is a fast-growing herb that grows as a weed in disturbed sites, and waste and cultivated land. Its ability to succeed on ruderal and disturbed sites has made L. intybaceae the most widespread species of the genus. This species is also adapted to dry conditions and thus can be found growing in dry and semi-arid habitats. L. intybacea spreads by seeds which can be easily dispersed by wind and water and as a contaminant in soil, on agricultural machinery or stuck to vehicles and clothing. Currently it is listed as invasive in the Bahamas, Cuba and the Dominican Republic and as "potentially invasive" in Jamaica, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, St Eustatius and Grand Cayman.

This datasheet on Acromyrmex octospinosus covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

This datasheet on Thunbergia erecta covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Further Information.

Hemigraphis alternata is a creeping herb native to Indonesia and Malaysia that has been widely commercialized as an ornamental, mainly due to its metallic green and purple foliage. It is often planted as a carpet plant or ground cover in gardens, and is regularly dumped in garden waste, from which it spreads into wild areas. Once established, the species grows forming large dense carpets that totally cover the understorey of natural forests, displacing native vegetation. In areas outside its native range, it seems to reproduce only by vegetative means (cuttings or clump division). It is currently listed as invasive in the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Fiji, Chagos, Reunion, Cook Islands, Samoa, French Polynesia, Niue, Palau and Tonga.