Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Faces Invasive Weed

A 16-hectare plot of Britain's beloved bluebells is under threat from an invasive weed. Perfoliate alexanders (Smyrnium perfoliatum) were intentionally introduced to the gardens, but are shading the bluebells, robbing them of the sunlight they need to survive. There is a danger of the weed becoming a serious problem in Britain as it thrives in the same conditions as the native bluebells.

The large size of the affected area and the prolific seeding of the invader have overwhelmed gardeners. An eradication effort involving 300 volunteers is planned in May.

Links:

• Green army to halt weed invasion from BBC News



• Invading alexanders out to conquer English bluebells from the Guardian Unlimited

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 4:47 PM on April 18, 2005

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