Diaplant
Exotic, naturalised and invasive do not mean the same thing. An exotic occurs outside its natural range through human action.
Exotic, naturalised and invasive do not mean the same thing. An exotic occurs outside its natural range through human action. A naturalised species manages to maintain populations without continued cultivation. An invasive species spreads and causes, or can cause, significant impacts. The distinction is essential for selecting plants and complying with the law.
Three concepts, three levels of risk
Not all exotics naturalise and not all naturalised species become invasive. The risk depends on the biology of the species, the climate, the landscape and the pathways of dispersal.
A plant that is common in gardens may still be an exotic; a species that is rare in the trade may be legally restricted.
What to consult in Portugal
Flora-On helps to check distribution and botanical status. Decree-Law no. 92/2019 contains the National List of Invasive Species and sets out prohibitions. The Union List adds species of European concern and was updated in 2025.
The check should be made at the date of publication or purchase, because lists and nomenclature can change.
A protocol before publishing or supplying
Confirm the accepted scientific name, synonyms, national status, presence on the Union List and regional behaviour. If there is any uncertainty, do not include the species in a promotional article until validation has been obtained.
Legality is the minimum. Unlisted species may deserve caution when they reproduce abundantly or have an invasive history in similar climates.
The scientific name needs to be up to date
Legal lists may use synonyms that differ from catalogue names. For that reason, the check should search for the accepted name and the relevant synonyms. A match missed because of nomenclature does not remove the legal obligation.
Articles should state the date of the check. In permanent content, this note makes revisions easier when the national or European list is updated.
What undermines the result
The most common mistakes are using exotic as a synonym for invasive; consulting only blogs; ignoring botanical synonyms; and assuming that sale on the market proves legality.
Criteria for application
At Diaplant, an exotic species only enters a selection once the accepted name, the legal status and the known behaviour in Portugal and the European Union have been confirmed.
Correct language protects the project and biodiversity. Excluding invasives is mandatory; assessing non-invasive exotics remains a technical decision.
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