Very surprised by this. We have cultivated Gunnera for several years adjacent to our wildlife pond, in a wettish area. It has spread in a localised way colonising an area of a couple of square metres. It is not even slightly invasive and we are careful to protect it in winter to avoid frost damage to the crown. Can't help thinking that this is a "problem" that is greatly exaggerated. We shall be retaining ours and probably seeking to create more.
I've never seen it in the wild here but a few gardens have it as do the water gardens connected to the broads system, where I haven't heard it's spread. I'm a little surprised but not shocked that it's been banned as it always seems to be a case of shutting the door after the horse has bolted. I also don't think it could be as big a problem as with himalayan balsam, simply because it's not as vigorous and is easier to eradicate if need be. I don't have a problem with the ban though .
Rheums could be a nice substitute for somewhere moist and tetrapanax if it's drier.
The wife and I were discussing this last night and whilst we support the control of invasive species the complete double standards of DEFRA and lack of consistent policy is astounding.
Thugs rampage across our countryside, baiting badgers, killing foxes, spraying insecticides & herbicides, releasing pheasants in their millions...and nothing is done.
Water companies pollute our waterways to such an extent that nearly every river and beach in the country is dangerously polluted at one time or another...and nothing is done.
I can wander down to my garden centre and buy Cherry/Portuguese laurel, crocosmia, bamboo, fuschia, rhododendron ponticum, Japanese honeysuckle, molinia (native I know but highly damaging in the wrong place)- and countless other plants that are arguably worse...and nothing is done.
DEFRA once again bringing a teacup to douse the flames of the bonfire that is our compromised environment.
@thevictorian Himalayan balsam is a shallow-rooted annual which spreads readily by seeds, which shoot out over a wide area. But it's easy to pull up and compost, though getting rid of a big stand of it along a canal, for instance, takes a considerable effort. Gunnera, however, is perennial, and as @Fire says, can re-grow from a tiny bit of root left in the soil, as well as from seed. It's not invasive everywhere in Britain and Ireland, since it needs mild winters and a damp climate to thrive, but banning it only where it's currently a problem wouldn't be possible - and climate change might well affect its spread, anyway. And the only practicable way to eradicate it is by using herbicide...
Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
DEFRA once again bringing a teacup to douse the flames of the bonfire that is our compromised environment.
I entirely agree. We have a govt running regulation that hates having regulations. And so we have rivers, oceans, air, food, health and woodlands trashed. They just shrug and say it's a dog eat dog world. It's the central paradox (read: pointlessness) of having a group that celebrates the "bonfire of regulations" setting regulations (their phrase).
Posts
https://www.natureinstock.com/search/preview/gunnera-tinctoria-invasive-plant-species-growing-on-large-tracts-of-land-on/0_12093384.html
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Rheums could be a nice substitute for somewhere moist and tetrapanax if it's drier.
Thugs rampage across our countryside, baiting badgers, killing foxes, spraying insecticides & herbicides, releasing pheasants in their millions...and nothing is done.
Water companies pollute our waterways to such an extent that nearly every river and beach in the country is dangerously polluted at one time or another...and nothing is done.
I can wander down to my garden centre and buy Cherry/Portuguese laurel, crocosmia, bamboo, fuschia, rhododendron ponticum, Japanese honeysuckle, molinia (native I know but highly damaging in the wrong place)- and countless other plants that are arguably worse...and nothing is done.
DEFRA once again bringing a teacup to douse the flames of the bonfire that is our compromised environment.