Imported Plant

a plant that populates a given region as a result of importation by man or various natural agents. Imported plants acclimatize themselves and occupy a stable position in the plant cover of the region. In some countries, such plants are prevalent in the developing plant cover (Compositae of European origin in the Argentine pampas, cacti in Australia and some Middle Eastern countries) and in continuously cultivated lands (many weeds and field plants in countries with developed agriculture). Imported plants may inhibit the natural reproduction of less hardy local plants. See alsoACCLIMATIZATION and INTRODUCTION OF PLANTS.