Native dominants or botanical ‘thugs’ in woodland.
by Lewis, 28 March, 2014, 2 comments
Much has been written recent in recent years about the ‘dangers’ posed to our native flora & ecosystems by ‘alien’ invasive species. Introduced species such Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), and Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) have been cited as ‘drivers’ of ecosystem change – alongside habitat loss, pollution and over-exploitation.
However, voices have been raised to express concern over certain native species that can grow rapidly producing large amount of biomass (or indeed necromass – think bracken dying down in late autumn) and how they may be impacting on our flora, particularly plants of the woodland herb or field layer. Read more...
