A video revealing the culprit behind the mysterious disappearance of a woman’s hibiscus flowers—a stealthy green lizard with a taste for tropical blooms—has gone viral on TikTok.
The video, posted by TikTok user @seaangeldreams, shows a lush flower patch through a window. Text overlaid on the clip, which as amassed more than 364,000 views since it was shared on June 17, says: “Today I learned how the flowers were disappearing.”
As the camera zooms in, an iguana nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding greenery is seen chomping down on bright hibiscus flowers. A caption accompanying the post simply reads: “My poor hibiscus.”
According to a hashtag shared with the post, the scene was captured in Florida, a state where green iguanas have become common, albeit unwelcome, residents. While the incident in the viral clip may seem amusing, it highlights a broader issue facing Florida residents.
Green iguanas are an invasive species in the state, according to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Originally brought in through the exotic pet trade, the reptiles have since become widespread in South and Central Florida, where the subtropical climate supports their survival and reproduction.
These large herbivorous (plant-eating) lizards are “now established in South Florida and the UF/IFAS website notes. “This has created unique problems for Florida’s homeowners and businesses.”
Among the biggest challenges is the iguana’s impact on vegetation. “Iguanas cause harm to the landscape by eating plant foliage,” the university explains. While younger iguanas might eat insects or small animals, adults are more likely to graze on flowers, leaves and fruit, with hibiscus ranking among their preferred snacks.
The University of Florida advises gardeners to take proactive steps to protect their flora, especially from hungry iguanas. Recommended deterrents include installing cages or screened enclosures around valuable plants, and growing species that iguanas are known to dislike—such as milkweed, citrus and oleander.
Conversely, plants to avoid include those that are irresistible to iguanas, such as greens, squashes, melons, roses, pink pentas, and hibiscus, the university says.
‘So Sneaky’
Viewers on TikTok appreciated the original poster unexpected encounter with Florida’s resident reptilian in the viral clip.
“I didn’t even see him, he’s so sneaky,” @ziysa commented, while another user, ghostwithnotthemost, said: “The only acceptable reason lol.”
Others were amused by the reptile’s refined taste. “You got a vegetarian with expensive taste,” wrote FunnyPrincess🇨🇦. Another user, @flov6140, added: “God forbid a lizard wants to jazz up lunchtime.”
“Hibiscus is the chocolate of the animal kingdom,” noted Leslie Hoekstra, while Secret Servals said: “These are basically cookies for that guy.”
“Can’t blame him. Hibiscus tea or in salad are nice,” wrote Floofnardo.
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
A stock image of a cluster of pink hibiscus flowers in sunlight.
A stock image of a cluster of pink hibiscus flowers in sunlight.
Getty
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