Aquatic Plants of Florida

Sarasota Herald Tribune

Melaleuca is an invasive tree native to Australia. It crowds out other plants creating a “monoculture” with little biodiversity. Melaleuca were imported to dry up wet areas in Florida and use enormous amounts of water. A program between state, federal and the University of Florida is introducing biogugs that eat the leaves of melaleuca which keeps the plant from making seeds. The results have been successful and the biobugs are available free by calling 772-462-1660 or on web site http://kgioeli.ifas.ufl.edu. There is no charge except for a $15.00 shipping fee.