Invasive exotic plants threaten biodiversity in Portugal

The introduction of exotic plant species is posing a significant threat to biodiversity in Portugal. In the Madeira Natural Park, a South African carnivorous plant, Drosera capensis, was discovered in the UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva forest in the Fanal area. Researchers from the University of Madeira suggest the plant may have been deliberately placed there, noting that similar incidents involving exotic carnivorous plants occurred near Pico do Areeiro in 2018.

In mainland Portugal, Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), originally from South America, has become a widespread invasive species. Introduced as an ornamental plant, it can grow up to four meters tall and produce one million seeds per plant, which are dispersed by the wind. This species poses risks to human health through allergies and sharp, cutting leaves, while also displacing native vegetation and creating barriers for local wildlife. Controlling such invasions is difficult and costly, often requiring expensive herbicides.