'Sleeper weed': caution, use only as directed

摘要

This paper considers the category 'sleeper weed' which has been used and misused extensively since Groves coined the expression. The term arouses fear that naturalised exotic plants may become invasive, but, in the absence of reliable criteria for prediction, lacks utility in weed science. Despite Groves' subsequent caution, misuse of the term has continued. It is concluded that it would be preferable not to use the term.