Nativeness, Invasiveness, and Nation in Australian Plants^*

* This project is funded by ARC Discovery grant DP0211327. We thank Eva Hampel for assistance with the interviewing, David Trigger for discussions, and anonymous reviewers for their useful comments.

Abstract

The conceptualization of alien invasive species conflates two axes of variability that have become unhelpfully blurred. The nativeness/alienness axis refers to the presumed belonging of a species in ecological or social space. Invasiveness refers to the behavior of the species in question, particularly in relation to other species. The overlay of nation introduces further variability. Teasing these axes apart is important for more effective environmental management. We examine these concepts using two influential forms of ecological knowledge: the biogeographical and ecological literature and the vernacular experiences of suburban backyarders. Three case studies, the invasive native Pittosporum undulatum and two invasive exotics, Lantana camara and Cinnamomum camphora, illustrate the complex and contingent nature of human interactions with such species and the potential for human interactions to increase and/or reduce the propagation of plant species.

• Australia
• backyards
• Cinnamomum camphora
• Lantana camara
• Pittosporum undulatum
• weeds

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lesley Head

Dr. Head is a professor of geography at the University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia

Pat Muir

Ms. Muir is a research assistant in geography.