Exotic invaders could be rebadged as neo-natives

An ecologist says some weeds have been in Australia so long they may need to be considered natives. (PR HANDOUT IMAGE PHOTO) (AAP)

Some invasive species are so entrenched and have evolved so much they might need to be rebadged as "new natives", a researcher says.

James Cook University ecologist Daniel Montesinos says the unprecedented integration of invasive species into native habitats raises a sticky issue for botanists.