Scientists have turned to social media to track how an invasive flowering plant adapts to new environments and continues to spread.
Carpobrotus, often referred to as ice plants or sour fig, is native to South Africa and has become a destructive invader in coastal ecosystems worldwide. The succulent forms dense mats that smother native vegetation and alter soil chemistry, making it a major management concern for coastal communities.
The succulents often grow in picturesque coastal areas, clinging to cliffs and beaches that attract hikers and tourists. Their bright, colorful flowers and sprawling mats are frequently visible in scenic photos, which researchers realized held clues about the plant’s spread.
In a new study, researchers from the University of Galway and partner institutions examined 1,700 photos from Instagram feeds and citizen science platforms to track ice plants across the United States, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa.
