Old World Climbing Fern ( Lygodium microphyllum ). Public Domain, Wikimedia.org

     The Old World Climbing Fern is now spreading into central Florida, and it may become the state's latest and greatest invasive plant species (taking the place of candidates such as melaleuca and Brazilian peppertree). Stephen Enloe at the University of Florida's Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants says the fast-growing fern quickly forms monocultures. "It also burns very nicely, and so it can act as a fire ladder up into trees as it burns, and that is a major, major problem."

     The fern has been sighted as far north as Jacksonville. The full article is available here from wmfe.org or through the link below.