Re: [Aroid-l] Invasive plants

From: "Matyas Buzgo" <mbuzgo at botany.ufl.edu> on 2004.08.29 at 16:06:28(12086) Is Pistia "invasive"? Ten years ago, there was still a dispute, whether Pistia originated in the New World or in the Old World. That is, nobody really knew, where it was native to - and where "invasive". Has there been new evidence published, showing that Pistia has not been around in the warm climate of the New World since prehistoric times? Please provide new literature (after 1994) that shows Pistia was introduced (by Europeans or other Old Worlders). With "shows" I mean hard evidence. I am aware that several articles call Pistia "invasive", especially to Florida. But I never found evidence to proof Pistia's absence prior to Europan arrival. Believing something is "invasive" because everybody says so is not science, but mythology. Note: Does the community consider a plant "invasive" because it can temporarily form monocultures? Then, are Phragmites australis and Fagus silvatica "invasive" in Europe? Thanks Matyas +More _______________________________________________ Aroid-l mailing list Aroid-l@gizmoworks.com http://www.gizmoworks.com/mailman/listinfo/aroid-l

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