Iguana pets were first released in the wild in South Florida in the 1960's. They love the climate, they have hardly any predator in urban South Florida and they breed like rabbits. The result is an invasive specie that does not belong here and that create havoc in South Florida gardens. So far it was mostly waterfront properties that were affected but by now, iguanas are too numerous and have also invaded dry lots. Beware folks, your precious plants should fear the worst. This posting is the only controversial of my blog because I am certain there are defenders of iguanas out there. I am a garden lover and the voracious and endless appetite of iguanas is such that I lost one year of establishment of my backyard by trying to figure out what was going on with all those plants that disappeared.
Something has to be done. For the iguana lovers out there, let me at least suggest systematic destruction of nests and neutering of iguana pets to help control the population.
For those who suffer, let me also share my experience of what iguanas eat and what they do not touch. In general, the rule is tender and green leaves will be devoured while rougher textures or colored leaves are less affected. Iguanas will attack hibiscuses first no matter what but they will progressively discover new plants and once they discover one, do not be surprized if it disappears in a matter of days (my red firespike vanished in one week time after being established for six months).
Very affected: hibiscus, bougainvillae - tender shoots only -, pentas, copperleaf when still green, bleeding-heart vine, jasmine vine, red firespike, thryallis, yellow elder
Not affected: silver buttonwood, jatropha integerrina, golden mound, wild coffee, allamanda, porter weed, pampa grass, liriope, arboricola schefflera, Ti plants
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