Survey of invasive plants on Guam and identification of the 20 most widespread

Abstract

Invasive plants are introduced, nonnative species that thrive and spread spontaneously in areas beyond their natural range. They are characteristically adaptable and aggressive and have high reproductive capacity. Their vigor, combined with escape from their natural enemies, often leads to extensive outbreak populations. The many invasive species on Guam constitute a growing problem. A survey of invasive plants in five habitat types across the 20 municipalities of Guam identified the 20 most widespread: Bidens alba, Panicum maximum, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Antigonon leptopus, Paspalum paniculatum, Miscanthus floridulus, Euphorbia heterophylla, Chromolaena odorata, Mikania micrantha, Chamaesyce hirta, Synedrella nodiflora, Mimosa pudica, Leucaena leucocephala, Pennisetum polystachion, Euphorbia cyathophora, Sida rhombifolia, Chrysopogon aciculatus, Momordica charantia, Chamaesyce hypericifolia and Chloris barbata. At present, the best option for managing them could require more work on the possibility of biological control and may be to adopt preventive and mechanical control methods.