Manage introduced exotic species

Some exotic species introduced to Zanzibar do not actively harm wildlife, yet effectively have taken the place of native species in our landscapes: often for a purpose that could equally be served by indigenous alternatives.

Some have economic and cultural value under well-managed cultivation: mature trees give precious shade, some exotic flowers may still feed bees, and fruiting plants feed birds and mammals. Most importantly, this category includes many important food crops, for which we depend on their cultivation for food and livelihoods.

Yet when allowed to grow in wild ecosystems these species occupy space, excluding the wild species that would originally have grown there. Thus they shoud be managed.

Plants on these lists should therefore not usually be planted or propagated newly in ornamental landscapes: native alternatives are available. Within managed landscapes we should remove seedlings and runners, keep them pruned, and progressively plant native species instead to grow to replace them.

In wilderness restoration, rewilding initiatives and wild ecosystems , they should be removed altogether to leave space for wild species.

Introduced exotic plants to replace

Introduced Exotic plants to replace

The following plants (and animals) are not part of the original flora & fauna of the Zanzibar Archipelago and have become so well established in wild ecosystems that they prevent wild species from thriving.

We recommend you identify and remove these species from your landscaping to allow space for wild species that are more harmonious.

VIEW THE full INTRODUCED EXOTIC PLANTS CHECKLIST!

Exotic plants: