Non-native plants could be banned



Some non-native plants could be banned from sale in the UK in an attempt to protect Britain's native species, it has been revealed.



Foreign plants such as floating pennywort and the water hyacinth and animals such as the American bullfrog and some types of crayfish are flourishing in the UK, smothering and driving out native species.



The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), said: "Non-native species that become invasive are considered the second greatest threat to wildlife worldwide after habitat destruction.



"Their impacts can be far reaching - they have adverse impacts on native wildlife by predation, competition and spread of disease. They can threaten economic interests such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries and development. Controlling the release of invasive non-native species into the wild is a key element of conserving our native wildlife."



Defra said dealing with invasive non-native species is costing the British economy around £2 billion per year.



A consultation has been launched on whether a total of 74 species should be banned, including Rosy-Faced Lovebird, Grass Carp, Water Fern and Virginia Creeper.