When non-natives, referred to as exotic plants, move into natural areas, they can create monocultures, crowding out the native species and harming native insects, migratory birds, etc.

The tree is the “poster child for invasive plants in Florida”, shading out native plants and recruiting non-native insects, according to researchers at the University of Florida.

As for the Mancos River, which flows for about 5 miles through Mesa Verde, water quality, habitats along the river and populations of native fish were mostly reported with positive or fair conditions.

Researchers reveal key conditions that facilitate successful invasion by non-native plants by Chinese Academy of Sciences edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Editors' notes ...