Q: Why the concern?
A: Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium) has spread rapidly across the landscape of central and south Florida at a rapid rate smothering native vegetation in very isolated locations such as Everglades tree islands. The effect of the fern in natural areas of Florida is still unknown, but it rapid rate of increase has caused alarm and land mangers in Florida now consider to be one of the worst threats to natural areas/public lands in Florida. The fern also poses a fire threat to home owners who have it growing in close proximity to their home, as the fern is high pyrogenic.
