Golden Crownbeard flowers (Verbesina encelioides)

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Verbesina is an aggressive introduced weed that poses a serious threat to island ecology by reducing habitat for ground nesting birds, as well as enclosing and trapping chicks. It interferes with native species through competition for nutrients and water, shading and allelopathic effects. Staff and volunteers including tourists clear Verbesina away and replant areas on the island with native grasses. Native Bunch Grass is planted to replace Verbesina and prevent reestablishment. See E29H8F or DM29CP or DM29BY or DM29C5 for photographs of Bunch Grass on Midway.

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Size: 2208px × 2760px
Location: Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge & Battle of Midway National Memorial, Hawaiian Islands, USA
Photo credit: © Rosanne Tackaberry / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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