Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally, and a high or medium climate match to the contiguous United States.
Senegal tea plant (Gymnocoronis spilanthoides) is a prolific, ornamental plant with broad climate suitability. The species is a declared weed in New Zealand and Australia, and eradication programs have been initiated in both countries. The history of invasiveness is high. G. spilanthoides displaces native species in New Zealand that are traditionally used by the Maori people. There are also reports of infestations of this species increasing the severity of flooding. The climate match was high. The areas of high climate match were concentrated in the eastern United States. The certainty of assessment is medium. There is a negative impact of invasion reported in peer reviewed literature but the remainder of the impact information comes from invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species databases. The overall risk assessment category is high.
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