Salvinia minima, also known as Water Spangles, is a floating water fern found in Florida’s freshwater swamps, lakes, slow-moving streams, and ponds. Native to tropical America, Salvinia was introduced in Florida from fish tanks and/or tropical gardens where it was used as a decorative aquatic plant.
By cloning itself, Salvinia reproduces quickly. It can be distinguished from native duckweed by its larger leaves and bristles. Salvina is considered highly invasive in Florida.
The FLEPPC, (Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council), considers Twoleaf Nightshade to be a category II invasive exotic plant. FLEPPC defines Category II invasive exotics as those that have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities. It is recommended that you remove Twoleaf Nightshade when you discover it in your yard.
Twoleaf Nightshade, (Solanum diphyllum), attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. It is an upright shrub that grows 3-6′ tall and has alternating leaves with one larger than the other on mature plants. White to lavender fragrant flowers produce fruit that is orange when ripe.
Native to Mexico and Central America, the Twoleaf Nightshade is an exotic that relies on birds to play an important role in seed dispersal. These shrubs can be found in disturbed areas, flood plains, roadsides, hardwood forests, hammocks, and a shady spot in your yard.
Creeping Indigo Indigofera spicata
Creeping indigo is an invasive plant that originated in Africa. This plant is particularly concerning due to its toxicity. It is highly toxic to cows, horses, and donkeys. Symptoms include a wide range of abnormal behavior such as mouth ulcers, dehydration, heavy breathing, high temperatures, rapid heartbeat, foaming of the mouth, pale mucous membrane, light sensitivity, lethargy, odd gait, pressing their head into a corner, etc. Any abnormal behavior should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian.
This plant can spread rapidly and is difficult to remove due to its strong taproot. If you spot these popping up in your garden remove them before they become overwhelming.
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