Institute battles invasive plants to protect southern Brazil’s ecosystems
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In Santa Catarina and Paraná, Brazil, the Horus Institute removes non-native, invasive plants to restore native vegetation and biodiversity.
Founded in 2002 by forest engineer Sílvia Ziller, the institute addresses the damage caused by introduced species like the African asparagus, beach almond, and various pine trees. These plants spread rapidly, overtaking native flora and disrupting ecosystems. The institute maintains a national database of invasive species, receiving contributions from both scientists and the public to track their spread across the country.
They also actively distribute native plant seedlings to help rebuild local plant communities. The problem of invasive species has been recognized in Brazil since 1824, though scientific study began much later. Beyond physical removal, Horus Institute uses technology to track plant lineage and planting locations, monitoring over 8,000 native seedlings. They also promote replacing ornamental, invasive palms with native alternatives like the juçara palm.
While Santa Catarina has begun to regulate the sale of invasive ornamental plants, a national licensing system remains elusive.
