Neophytes on the advance

Only the names of these plants are funny

The giant hogweed is actually native to the mountainous regions of the Caucasus, but was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant. It has been spreading rapidly in this country since the 1960s.

(Bild: Konrad Pagitz)

Invasive plants are a recurring problem. That is why a course has now been held at the Tyrolean Neophyte Centre to raise awareness among decision-makers in the fight against harmful species. Neophyte expert Konrad Pagitz from the Institute of Botany at the University of Innsbruck explains when neophytes are harmful and how they can be controlled.

They are called American skunk cabbage, bastard knotweed or narrow-leaved waterweed and fall into the group of neophytes, i.e. plants that are not actually native to this country. "If human activity is the main reason why a plant appears in an area, it is called alien," explains Konrad Pagitz from the Institute of Botany at the University of Innsbruck.