Recent papers about invasive plants in Brazil have highlighted the scarcity of criteria for determining invasiveness status. Here, we reviewed papers published in academic journals before March 2012, together with undergraduate monographs, theses and dissertations and abstracts from meetings in ecology, botany and related fields, in order to list plants reported as invasive and verify the criteria used. A total of 124 works were listed, of which 45.9% reported quantitative samples and 35% dealt with Atlantic Forest, 18.5% with Cerrado and 17.8% with Caatinga, the most affected vegetation domains. Invasive behavior was supported by field data for only 54 alien species. Actual figures could be larger; however, the need for further research cannot be used as a justification for inaction in terms of public policy, and the precautionary principle should be employed in implementing temporary solutions in order to avoid irreversible damage.