A characteristic feature of expansive plants is their ability to spread quickly and increase the area they cover, which in some circumstances can be quite a problem.On the other hand, they perform a number of important biological functions: they produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, purify the air of pollutants, and provide shelter and food for animals.So to fight these plants or tolerate them?
An example of a common expansive plant in the natural environment is the common birch. One adult tree of this native species can produce up to 10 million seeds, which are then dispersed by the wind over long distances.Birch is a pioneering species, has very little cultivation requirements, so you can often see young seedlings not only within forests and fields, but also in cities, on the walls of abandoned buildings, in gutters, and even in pots with ornamental plants grown on balconies.
Another example of an expansive plant of foreign origin is Canadian goldenrod.This species most often grows on agricultural wastelands, degraded areas or areas located along railway routes.It is a perennial plant that grows up to 1.5 m, blooms from August to autumn, and its flowers are eagerly flown by bees. This species is especially appreciated by beekeepers, because goldenrod honey contains a lot of he althy routine and querticin. The problem with goldenrod is that the plant spreads and multiplies very quickly, both vegetatively, with the help of runners, and generatively, with the light, fluffy, volatile seeds.
A similarly expansive species is wolfberry, better known as the Goji shrub.This drought-resistant plant with long overhangs and numerous shoots is planted on steep slopes and embankments to strengthen them.Shrubs are also grown for the he alth benefits of the fruit.
One of the most valuable expansive species, widely used in horticulture, is undoubtedly the ruffled rose. It shows a very high tolerance to air pollution, salinity and drought, therefore it is and should be planted for ornamental purposes at roads, highways, roundabouts and city discounts.The fruits of the wrinkled rose are eagerly used in the food industry (preparations made of petals and fruit) and in the pharmaceutical industry.
The problem of excessive expansion of the ruffled rose is observed on the B altic coast, where in the last century plants were planted on dunes in order to stabilize them.Unfortunately, it turned out that the shrubs found ideal conditions for development there, they grow very strongly and displace other native species, and their removal is very difficult.Therefore, wrinkled rose bushes should not be planted by the sea in the dunes area, but in urban areas.
Expansive plants of foreign origin in the native flora
The issue of invasive species of alien origin has recently been the subject of a lively discussion, and the opinions of experts on this subject can be extreme.However, only a small group of plants of foreign origin may pose a real threat to native biodiversity.These include, among others Sosnowski's borscht and highly invasive Knotweed. These species should definitely be avoided - their reproduction and sale are prohibited by law!
A common feature of invasive species is their excellent adaptation to very difficult environmental conditions.They withstand drought, heat, air pollution and salinity much better than native species.You should definitely not be afraid of them (except for a few mentioned above) or give them up in urbanized and industrialized areas.
Ecological gains (oxygen production and pollutant absorption) in densely populated areas are incomparably greater than the alternative of a complete lack or significant depletion of plant cover after using weaker native species.On the other hand, in natural areas, forests, parks and reserves, you should certainly cultivate only species from the native flora.
