In 1997, Florida released Australian insects to fight an invasive tree. Nearly three decades later, its invaded range has fallen by about 75%
- For decades, a tree from Australia spread across South Florida’s wetlands with little to hold it back.
- Melaleuca quinquenervia, often called paperbark, had been introduced to Florida for practical reasons, including landscaping and efforts to alter wet ground.
- It eventually escaped those uses and established dense stands across parts of the Everglades and surrounding wetlands.
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- For decades, a tree from Australia spread across South Florida’s wetlands with little to hold it back.
- Melaleuca quinquenervia, often called paperbark, had been introduced to Florida for practical reasons, including landscaping and efforts to alter wet ground.
- It eventually escaped those uses and established dense stands across parts of the Everglades and surrounding wetlands.
Sources: Times of India