For many of us, an article on invasive plants in China offers an interesting twist on a story with which we are only too familiar. How many times have those of us in North America heard about a plant imported from somewhere far away (e.g., China) getting out of control and spreading like wildfire in our local woods, in our ponds, or in our backyards? Such plants are known as "alien invasives." Their ability to "take over" may be due, in part, to the fact that the insects and diseases that keep them in check in their native lands are often absent in their new homes: they get a "free ride," as it were.

_{Bittersweet is an invasive import from China. Photo ©2006 David Beaulieu (licensed to About.com)}