Florida Under Weed Watch
April 4, 2011 The Division of Plant Industry at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) issued a request to Floridians to be on the look out for Mikania micrantha, an invasive weed recently identified in Florida.
Mikania micrantha, also known as climbing hempweed, is considered noxious, or harmful, by international standards. It thrives in warm and humid environments and can grow almost one-half meter per week.* As a rapidly growing climbing vine, it can smother and overwhelm other small plants and even large trees.
Recently detected in the Redlands area of Miami-Dade County, the weed is a significant threat to agricultural and environmental areas. This plant is present on roadsides and woodlots, in several nurseries and in numerous residential landscapes. Left uncontrolled, it can cover areas in only a few months and quickly spread to agricultural and natural areas.
Due to early detection of the weed, it is possible to slow the spread and potential destruction to Florida’s agricultural and natural areas. The Division of Plant Industry formed a task force with representatives from agriculture and environmental agencies on the state and federal level, as well as non-profit organizations, to address survey, management, research and outreach efforts.
•ºFor more information on this weed, click here.
