Pretty, But...

Florida is a very hospitable place in which to live. (not counting the heat, humidity, insects, and too many humans, of course!) I get that. But it's generally mild climate and plentiful precipitation also makes it an easy 'target' for invasive plants and animals. These three 'lovely' flowering plants were seen by Fletch and I on our walk in the 'hood this morning. On the left is Mexican Petunia, Ruellia simplex, a native of Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. It was introduced into Florida as an ornamental some time before 1933. It has become very invasive. In the middle is Lantana camara, a native to Central and South America. This beautiful plant has spread all over the world. From the Americas it was brought to Europe by Dutch explorers then spread into Asia and Oceania where it became a noxious weed. It competes with other species which causes a reduction in biodiversity. It's also toxic to livestock and if left to it's own resources can greatly reduce the productivity of farmland. And finally there's Tievine, Ipomoea cordatotriloba, which is a species of morning glory native to the Southeastern United States, Mexico and South America. It's a fast growing vine that can quickly take over a garden! Also, just about everything I've read reports that Morning Glory seeds are TOXIC TO DOGS! 
It's always a good idea to do a bit of research on a plant before you put it in the ground.
Wishing All of You a Peaceful Week. 

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