ABSTRACT
In southern Africa, much of the historic concern about invasive species has centered on the consequences for the conservation of the region’s remarkable biological diversity. For example, it is home to at least 21,137 species of vascular plants, about 80% of them endemic.10 Most of the region has been affected by alien plant invasions. South Africa has a long colonial history dating back 350 years, and it also has a well-developed infrastructure, with thriving agricultural and forestry sectors. These factors have contributed signi¢cantly to the introduction, establishment, and spread of invasive alien
14.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 295 14.2 Extent of the problem ........................................................................................................ 296 14.3 Quantifying the environmental impacts ....................................................................... 299 14.4 The economics of invasions ..............................................................................................304
