Urgent action needed on invasive species

摘要

A report by DEFRA and horticultural groups claims invading plants will cause catastrophe, writes Eloise Seddon. Gardens and parks in the UK are crammed full of plant species that have originated far from these shores. Without their presence, this island would be a drabber place. However, some imported species are taking over in the wild, wrecking their habitats in the process. Helmsii take over ponds, cutting out light, space and nutrients for other species, Hyacinthoides hispanica - Species Bluebell - dilutes the genetic make-up of native bluebells, creating new hybrids, and Hydrocotyle ranunculoides crowds out indigenous plant populations and has even caused cattle to drown, choking drainage systems and causing flooding. The problem is spreadingat such an alarming rate that invasive non-Banned from sale on the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Fallopia japonica, Heracleum mantegazzianum. The Royal Horticultural Society has banned the exhibiting and sale of the following seven species from itsshows: Fallopia japonica, Heracleum mantegazzianum, Impatiens glandulifera, Azolla filiculoides, Hydrocotyle ranunculoides, Crassula helmsii, Myriophyllum aquaticum.