Laser wavelengths targets melanin (a molecule with a specific color absorption and reflection), which is low in light colored hair or skin. Higher melanin density means a darker (appearing) color, so more opportunities for the light to react. This is why a dark hair color and light skin color has the best success with laser.
These ones are invasive. The native ones are a bright green and, if I remember right, a bit larger. I’ve been out of FL for a couple decades, so it’s sad I knew you were there just from the picture lol