National Geographic News, Reporting Your World Daily

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Photo: Big Reptiles, Alien Trees Hamper Everglades Fire Fight


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Melaleuca trees cluster in Florida's wetland prairie in an undated file photo. Native to Australia, the trees have become an environmental nuisance in the Everglades, where they spread rapidly and crowd out native grasses.

Now the highly flammable trees have become a special concern for workers fighting the Mustang Corners blaze, which has consumed about 39,000 acres (16,000 hectares) of the national park since May 14.

Photograph by Melissa Farlow