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Indian
Fleabane or Pluchea Indica is an alien species to the Hawaiian Islands. This plant is considered an invasive plant because it grows wild and takes over a landscape quickly. The Indian Fleabane can be considered a weed and like any weed it will smother other vegetation and cause serious threats to the native ecosystem. |
Eradicating fleabane
from the island would impact erosion control.
The Indian
Fleabane was introduced to Hawaii in 1915 by the wind from over
1000 miles away. The Indian
Fleabane’s leaves are light green and its flowers are pink
and purple. The flowers are located at the end of the branch. This
weed can grow up to six feet tall! The species can receive nutirents to grow from either fresh water or saltwater which explains its ability to grow so easily on the offshore islands. |
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You
can make tea from the India Fleabane.
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Indian Fleabane is both a problem and solution on the Mokuluas. The spread of the plant helps to control erosion because the islands are subject to dry spells and then sudden heavy rains. It also provides nesting materials for the visiting seabirds who come ashore to breed. We also understand that you can also make tea from the plant. |
Warning:
Do not let this plant get out of control.
However the plant becomes a problem when its growth displaces the native plants on the island. It is important that the plant be managed in a way that it can help to prevent erosion in areas where soil is exposed, and controlled in areas where native plants are growing and prevent the Indian fleabane from taking over the landscape.
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