Calling all green thumbs!
Join us on a journey to cover key plant terminology from A-Z, and learn why these terms are important for understanding invasive species.
Today, we will cover V-X.
Vector
Vector: definition
Any agent that actively or passively carries and disperses organisms from one location to another. In ecology, vectors are often pathways or carriers that help species move beyond their native range.
How this term applies to invasives
Vectors are how invasive species get introduced to new areas. For example:
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Human-mediated vectors: ships (ballast water transporting aquatic species), vehicles, trade of plants, soil, or firewood.
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Natural vectors: wind, water currents, or animals carrying seeds or spores.
Understanding vectors is crucial for preventing invasions.
Vectors of spread
Vegetative
Vegetative: definition
A form of asexual reproduction in plants where new individuals grow from parts of the parent plant (like roots, stems, or leaves) rather than seeds.
How this term applies to invasives
Many invasive plants spread vegetatively, which allows them to establish rapidly and dominate habitats. Examples:
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Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) spreads through stems that root at the nodes.
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Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) spreads from rhizomes (underground stems).
Vegetative spread can make management harder because removing part of the plant may lead to new growth.
Kudzu. Photo credit: David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Japanese knotweed
Whorled
Whorled: definition
A leaf (or other plant structure) arrangement in which three or more leaves, flowers, or other organs grow in a circle around a single point on the stem.
How this term applies to invasives
Leaf arrangement can help in identifying invasive plants. For example:
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Eggleaf spurge (Euphorbia oblongata) often has whorled branches.
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Recognizing whorled patterns can help distinguish invasive species from native look-alikes, which is important for early detection and management.
Eggleaf spurge. Photo credit: G.D. Carr
Eggleaf spurge. Photo credit: G.D. Carr
Winged
Winged: definition
A plant part (usually a stem, seed, or fruit) that has thin, flat extensions or flanges along its sides, resembling wings. These structures can help with dispersal (like wind dispersal for seeds) or sometimes aid in structural support.
For example:
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A winged seed has thin membranous edges that allow it to spin and travel further in the wind.
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A winged stem has flat extensions running along its length, giving it a ridged or “winged” appearance.
How this term applies to invasives
Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is an invasive species that produces distinctive red, winged seeds that aid in wind dispersal, helping it spread rapidly and outcompete native vegetation.
Tree of Heaven seeds. Photo credit: Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org.
Tree of Heaven. Photo credit: R. Gardner, Bugwood.org
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping: definition
A landscaping approach that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation by using drought-tolerant plants, efficient watering methods, and soil improvement. It’s often used in dry climates to conserve water while still creating attractive, functional outdoor spaces.
How this term applies to invasives
Xeriscaping can help prevent the spread of invasive species by prioritizing drought-tolerant, non-invasive plants that are well-adapted to local conditions. This turns disturbance-prone landscapes into resilient ecosystems that naturally resist invaders.
Xeriscaping. Photo credit: Lindsey Hall, Positivebloom.com
Want to learn more?
- Check out the Green Thumb’s Glossary.
- Learn about invasive plant management.
- Discover more about how plants work.
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