Corrosive invader is a giant problem

摘要

Giant hogweed, which can cause serious injury to people and animals, is still spreading in the UK. Weeds are often small enough to be trampled underfoot, but giant hogweed is big enough to walk into. This is not recommended, as the plant is a publichealth hazard. Size and ease of identification have not led to sufficient control of this garden escapee. Victorian explorers who discovered Heradeum mantegazzianum in the Caucasus Mountains of south-west Asia brought seeds back to Kew gardens. Plants soon appeared as striking ornamental specimens that were highly sought after to provide structural interest in country gardens.