Look out, it's a schefflera

. . . And a big one, seen out toward the street from the dormer.

We'd never seen them this big until a few years ago -- let alone one in full bloom. Whenever this one breaks out in big, showy red spikes, I'll be sure to let you know.

I'll also let you know we won't have one of our own: Schefflera actinophylla is on the Florida Do Not Plant roster, and a Category 1 no less -- the worst. Our landscape architect quickly pointed this out when he saw it on the preliminary wish list we drew up for our gardens.

It turns out there are lots of pretty plants that are so-called non-native invasives -- Australian pines, mimosa, nandina. Good grief, even lantana is a no-no. Boston ferns! Who knew.

The state experts categorize a whole range of plants as "aggressive, nuisances, pests, noxious or invasive."

It is helpful not to concentrate on those terms on days when big cruise ships are in port, and you're making your way through sidewalks full of your fellow non-native invasive humans.