Author
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Pemberton, Robert |
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Submitted to: Sida
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 10/20/2003 Publication Date: 12/20/2003 Citation: Pemberton, R.W. 2003. Northward extension of the invasive weed lygodium microphyllum in florida. Sida 20:1759-1761 Interpretive Summary: Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum, is a highly invasive weed of natural areas in southern Florida which is rapidly spreading in Florida. A newly recognized population of the fern was discovered in Orange Co. in central Florida. This population had been misidentified as Japanese climbing fern, Lygodium japonicum, which is able to live in colder areas than Old World climbing fern. This Orange Co. population of Old World climbing fern has persisted in its cypress swamp habitat for almost 15 years. During this time, it experienced single or multi-night freezes of 24-27degrees F. This indicates that the weed could invade and live in climatically similar areas (USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 9) such as southern Texas, which the fern may be able to reach via its wind-borne spores. Technical Abstract: A newly recognized population of the dangerous, invasive fern Lygodium microphyllum has been found in Orange County in central Florida. This population of the weed is known to have persisted within the cypress swamp site where it was found for almost 15 years, during which time the area experienced single or multi-night freezes of -2.5 to -5.5oC. This finding indicates that the weed could live in other USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 9 areas such as southern Texas, which the fern may be able to reach via its wind-borne spores. |
