Introduced plants are a serious danger for the flora of the Galapagos Archipelago since aggressive species compete with native species for light, water, and nutrients. They also produce a negative impact on fauna and local agricultural activity.
In the Galapagos Islands, at least 700 alien plant species are known to have been introduced, of which approximately 40 are having a negative impact (CDRS Galapagos Flora Database, March 2005). Over 90% of introduced plants are deliberate arrivals, including fruit, vegetables and other crops, timber trees, medicinal plants and ornamentals for gardens. Introduced plants may also carry other alien species in foliage or soil, for example introduced invertebrate species such as fire ants or scale insects.
For the treatment of invasive plants, the procedure of choice when possible is complete eradication. Experiments to find the most effective measures for controlling important weeds have been carried out by CDF scientists. The most desirable methods are effective, fast and cheap, and result in minimal damage to the native vegetation.
The CDF also promotes public understanding of the dangers of introduced plant and other species to Galapagos. As part of this program, the "Grow Me Instead" campaign aims to encourage the use of native or endemic plants as ornamentals in place of foreign plant species. The development of quarantine procedures to prevent new introductions is crucial to maintaining the natural biodiversity of Galapagos species.
CDF Fact sheets on introduced plants in Galapagos