The naturalised vascular plants of the Pilbara region, Western Australia

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 7 years ago

ABSTRACT – Populations of 103 weeds are currently established in the Pilbara, comprising 6.3% of the region’s fl ora; 19 are here newly recorded since the previous listing in 2004. Most originated in tropical Africa, America or Asia and were introduced intentionally as garden, amenity or fodder plants. Most are annual or perennial herbs with small seeds usually dispersed in soil, machinery, wind and water. Fourteen species affect the region at a landscape scale by altering fi re patterns, modifying soil characteristics or competing directly with native species. Another 15 species signifi cantly modify particular habitats such as wetlands, 6 are major threats to islands and a further 16 have potential threat to Pilbara environments.