Island plants

Invasive plants

Ornamental species, such as morning glory (Ipomoea indica), and useful plants including guava (Psidium cattleianum) and Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) were introduced to islands by settlers.

Some introduced species have escaped from cultivation and invaded wild habitats. Their rampant growth smothers native species. Outside their original environments, these colonising weeds are free from the pests and diseases that would normally check their growth.

Habitat loss caused by invasive species poses an enormous threat to native plants, particularly on islands where there are many species that grow nowhere else in the world.

Eliminating invasive plants to restore natural habitats is crucial to the survival of many island species. It is a costly and time-consuming activity. It is crucial to avoid introducing any more plants which could be invasive.

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