Invasive Species Caesar weed

• Scientific name: Urena lobata • Order name: Malvales • Family Name: Malvaceae • Native/Exotic/Invasive: Invasive • History: Caesar weed was first introduced to the United States because of its textile properties which was believed to be a cheaper and easier replacement of cotton; it was concluded that the plant was not as efficient compared to cotton because of the seed's long dormancy and impermeable seed coat (7). Caesar Weed is known for its rapid growth rate in disturbed areas which are becoming more common as human population increases and natural areas are being developed (7). Sword fern

• Scientific Name: Polystichum munitum • Order name: Polypodiales • Family name: Dryopteridaceae • Native/Invasive/Exotic: Invasive • History: Sword fern is also known as “king of the northwest ferns” or “Christmas fern” and is an invasive species in Florida. Swords ferns were used medicinally to cure diarrhea or by rubbing the fronds on nettle stings to reduce the pain. This species has a wide tolerance to soil and moisture which makes it perfect for the Florida environment which ranges from sunny to flooding in a span of a few months (4). Air potato • Scientific name: Dioscorea bulbifera • Order name: Dioscoreales • Family name: Dioscoreaceae • native/exotic/invasive: Invasive • History: This species is an invasive which has caused a major disturbance to the vegetative community in Moccasin Lake Park; they are also NOT EDIBLE. Air potato can grow up to eight inches a day and grows potato like tubers which produces more air potato plants. This plant can quickly overtake an area, pushing out native species; some ways to get rid of it are to cut it down, burn it, or freeze the bulbs (sterilization). Native to Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, it was introduced to Florida as a cash crop (1905) but failed and was latter used as an ornamental in the 1800s allowing it to spread to the rest of Florida (3). Caster Bean

• Scientific name: Ricinus communis • Order name: Malpighiales • Family name: Euphorbiaceae • native/exotic/invasive: Invasive • History: Castor Bean is a category 2 invasive species, meaning it is invasive but has not yet negatively impacting the ecosystem communities. Native to Northeastern Africa and the Middle East, it was brought to Florida for its fast growth and agricultural purposes. Castor bean’s pollen can cause asthma attacks and the seeds are highly poisonous to animals and humans if consumed. While it is toxic when raw, castor is used in a variety of ways such as: castor vegetable oil (extracted from seeds), paints, waxes and crayons, dyes, etc. It was also used as a remedy for to expel worms or parasites from the intestines but is now used as a laxative to remove ringworms as well as an ointment to treat dermatitis and warts (3). Rosary Pea

• Scientific name: Abrus precatorius • Order name: Fabales • Family name: Fabaceae • Native/Exotic/Invasive: Invasive • History: Native to Africa, Asia, and Australia, this species was introduced to Florida for its ornamental uses in jewelry and children’s toys. Having escaped cultivation, this invasive vine grows over top of native vegetation. Rosary Peas is poisonous, containing the protein toxalbumin which promotes cell death. This is arguably one of the most toxic plants and should never be ingested (8).