Invasive exotics making comeback on island
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that invasive exotic plants have started to become noticeable around the island, including in places where they were not found before.
The storm surges from Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton significantly hindered the growth of exotic plants, including air potato, Brazilian pepper, climbing cassia, lead tree and wedelia.
“These plants are coming back from seed course, as are many of our native species, due to an active rainy season that brought salinities down, and the absence of further storm surge events,” SCCF Wildlife & Habitat Management Director Chris Lechowicz said. “The seeds of these plants have been moved around the island, and plants are starting to grow in places where they were not found previously.”
The saltwater intrusion from the storm surges killed the root systems of many native and non-native plants. Even native vegetation, such as buttonwood, which prefers lower wetter areas, could not withstand the high salinities for extended periods in multiple locations. Other trees, such as strangler fig and gumbo limbo, showed signs of being stressed and then started dying about a year later.
“The Wildlife & Habitat Management team is treating areas on SCCF lands where exotic plants are trying to take hold,” he said.
Some exotic species, such as mother-in-law’s tongue, did not seem phased by being submerged in saltwater, as they are extremely hardy and can exist with very little sunlight in homes.
Air potato, wedelia, climbing cassia, seaside mahoe and Australian pines seem to be more evident over the last few months as conditions have become highly favorable.
The SCCF noted that for owners who notice these species starting to grow on their property, now is the time to address them before they become a significant problem. For questions about removal, contact info@sccf.org.