In the News: Bad Plant / Good Plant

In the News: Bad Plant / Good Plant

Danger!

I usually write about animal topics because they interest me the most. But quietly living alongside all the animals that catch our eyes are millions of plants, and they have exciting stories as well. Two surprising plant stories have recently made the news; while they do not quite range from the ridiculous to the sublime, they certainly do go from the bad to the good.

First, the bad plant news. I recently wrote a blog about an invasive fish species. There are many invasive animal species–both on land and in the water–that wreak havoc on native ecosystems. There are invasive plant species as well. Conservationists are already familiar with invasive plant species that can clog waterways or take over landscapes. But people usually do not think of invasive plants as personally threatening in the way that invasive animals can be. Think of the pythons that are now spreading through Florida. Now, however, there is an invasive giant weed that poses a threat to humans and it sounds like something from an Aliens movie. Called the Giant Hogweed, this plant is originally from the Caucasus region of Eurasia. In the 1900s, it was introduced to Europe, Britain, and North America as an ornamental species; it grows to over 15 feet in height and sprouts clusters of attractive white flowers. Now this plant is officially listed as a noxious weed; people are warned not to touch it because of the risk of skin irritation. It turns out that the sap of the Giant Hogweed can cause blisters and scarring in humans, and can even result in blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes. Giant Hogweed is called a phototoxic plant because its sap causes severe inflammations when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Blisters develop within 48 hours and form scars that can last several years. The plant should be removed by personnel from government environmental agencies, since cutting or mowing it can expose one to the dangerous sap. Be on the lookout for this giant plant and do not be tempted to touch it!

Now, the good plant news. Some plants are known for their ability to absorb toxins from the air and from the soil. That’s why certain species of trees are planted along city streets and why some houseplants (such as English Ivy) are popular; they help purify the air. Now a particular plant is being enlisted to help clean up the radioactive soil that resulted from the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster in Japan. Thousands of packets of sunflower seeds have been sold to people all around the area of the power plant. The seeds are to be planted in hundreds of parks that have been affected by the radioactive fallout. The good news is that there will be an attractive blossoming of sunflowers that have the ability to absorb radioactive cesium from the soil. The flowers will beautify the landscape for a while and then be safely disposed of to rid the area of cesium, making it safer for the local residents. The project leader is encouraged by the participation of so many local citizens in this community effort and even hopes that tourists will return to Fukushima and participate with the planting of sunflower seeds.

--Carol