Invasives Blog

In April 2015 the following datasheets were published on CABI’s Invasive Species Compendium (ISC). You can explore the open-access ISC here: www.cabi.org/isc.

Triumfetta semitriloba (burweed) – this weedy perennial shrub species, native to large parts of tropical and subtropical America, has been introduced to a number of Pacific islands, where it is now invasive. Its international spread is something of a mystery, though the barbed burs allow local spread via passing animals and people to occur very easily.

Stachys arvensis (staggerweed) – native to parts of Europe, Asia and North Africa, this poisonous herb has been introduced to a range of habitats around the world. S. arvensis has become a serious weed in many places, with negative environmental and economic impacts. It can cause nervous disorders in livestock, especially sheep, causing them to stagger – hence the common name staggerweed.

Solanum mammosum (nipplefruit nightshade) – known by a veritable smorgasbord of colourful names, S. mammosum is an annual or short-lived perennial that has been introduced to Asia, Africa, the Americas and Pacific islands. It is reported invasive in Cuba, the Philippines, Fiji, Tonga and parts of Hawaii.

Other invasive species datasheets recently published include:

Lythrum maritimum (pukamole)

Opuntia engelmannii (cactus apple)

Salvia splendens (scarlet sage)

Solanum erianthum (potato tree)

Solanum rostratum (prickly nightshade)