Homegrown invader can take over lawn

Kudzu, Old World Climbing Fern, and Topical Soda Apple are all widely known as invaders which were introduced into the region from faraway and exotic locations. Each has its own story of how it arrived here, and escaped into an inviting setting.

Once established, these and other alien plant interlopers have aggressively pushed out native species and altered the landscape, possibly forever. Wildlife habitats have been transformed and millions, if not billions, of dollars have been spent in an effort to control these destructive intruders. 

However, not all plants with aggressive and intrusive characteristics are offshore invaders. Brazil Pusley, Richardia brasiliensis, is an excellent example of a homegrown (despite its name) vegetative conquistador with a propensity to overtake less dominant species, like turfgrasses.

Many Leon County lawns are currently experiencing the sudden appearance of a pale hue attributed to an ongoing bloom of tiny flowers. This plant is the likely and persistent culprit.   

Like its relative Florida Pusley, this plant is a low growing with leaves which are symmetrically located on the opposite side of the stem.  The stems are hairy and can be up to 30 inches long in extreme examples.

Unlike Florida Pusley, Brazil Pusley is a perennial. Its roots penetrate the subsoil which makes it difficult to remove completely by digging or pulling.

The leaves can be almost smooth to rough on both the upper and lower surfaces.  They may reach 2.5 inches in length and tend to be oval to elliptical shaped.  

The blooms are usually white, but can occasionally be pink to lavender. The flowers emerge at the end of a head-like cluster which potentially can produce 20 or more blooms. These plants bloom most months of the year, but are killed by heavy frost and extreme sub-freezing weather. The blooms usually produce three nutlets covered with wart-like bumps and are the genesis of the next generation.

The nutlets are spread by animals and water flow from heavy rains. They may be unintentionally scattered by mowing or transported on equipment to new sites.

Brazil Pusley is frequently found in sandy soils which are common in north Florida.  The plant is a tenacious competitor for soil nutrients and space on agricultural lands, roadsides and lawns. 

The scientific name, Richardia brasiliensis, refers to Richard Richardson, a wealthy 18th century English physician and botanist. The term brasiliensis relates to its frequent appearance in Brazil.

Richardson practiced medicine in northern England, but had studied botany in Holland during his formative years. He had a particular interest in mosses and lichens, but also vascular plants such as Brazil Pusley and is credited with cataloging this species. 

He corresponded widely with other notable botanists of the day, and built the largest contemporary collection of plants at his botanical garden at North Bierley, England. Greenhouses at his estate allowed him to collect and propagate plants from warmer areas.

Brazil Pusley is considered native to the southeastern U.S., Central America and northern South America, but has traveled to other locations. This plant has made appearances in Asia and Africa. 

Land managers have been challenged to control this native with conventional techniques.  Post emergent spraying with herbicides provide minimal to no effect unless the plants are very small. 

The most successful technique is the application of a pre-emergent herbicide to suspected infestations, but this chemical will affect other seed, too.  This method is practical for heavily managed area, but wild sites will continue to produce this aggressive native plant. 

To make matters worse, this species host some destructive insects. Unfortunately, even Santa will not be bringing a quick solution to this native problem specie.

To learn more about Brazil Pusley in Leon and surrounding counties, contact your UF/IFAS Wakulla Extension Office at 850-926-3931 or http://wakulla.ifas.ufl.edu/

G.L. Harrison is County Extension Director, Ag & Natural Resources, at Wakulla County Extension.