Re: FERNS: Ferns as undesirable plants

Sadly, even in South Florida, we too have ferns that are considered 
problematic.  Recently, Tectaria incisa was listed as an invasive plant, although it is 
a native species here.  I regard Tectaria incisa as one of the prettiest 
ferns, but under *perfect* conditions, the plant thrives and comes up everywhere. 

Orchid growers in the area hate, with a passion, Phlebodium aureum (the 
Golden Polypody).  Another nuisance fern here is Pteris vitatta.  The saying about 
"one man's treasure is another man's junk" is unfortunately a truism.  I 
suppose, plants become weedy and invasive when the habitat is too perfect; think 
Angiopteris evecta in Hawaii.  We can enjoy them in South Florida because we 
alas, don't live in Paradise. (But wouldn't it be great if they did spring up 
everywhere?)

Reggie Whitehead
South Miami, FL  

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