Another ground cover gone crazy: The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that lippia (Phyla canescens), once touted as the key ingredient for a "no-mow" lawn, has become a persistent weed in parts of Australia. Among other problems caused by this low-growing invader, the plants suck water from the soil with deep roots, leading to soil erosion. Populations have thus far proven very difficult to eradicate, and restoration of infested areas has been complicated by the fact that the plants release long-lasting toxins into the soil as they grow, impeding the growth of other species.
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