Comments on: Rhododendron Ponticum

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 18 May 2007 18:01:57 +0000

The Spring (2007) issue of Farm Woodland News has a note to the effect that R. ponticum can aid the spread of Phytophora ramorum – a fungus that causes Sudden Oak Death. This disease can affect exotic oaks (they are more susceptible than native oaks), but also horse chestnut, beech and ash. Details of Phytophora ramorum at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/WCAS-4Z5JLL

By: Lewis

Lewis — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 09:42:00 +0000

In terms of biodiversity, oaks support some 400+ species, see
http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/estates/Sustainability/Biodiversity/trees/oak.html .

With reference to plants and their effects on global cooling – they do have an effect through their albedo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albedo ). This is a measure of the amount of light that they reflect back into space (it is often expressed in percentage terms). Snow has a high albedo, up to 90%; whereas the albedo of a pine forest is about 9%. The Hadley Centre (Met Office) has done some work on the possible effects of changing albedo – see http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/hadleycentre/pubs/HCTN/HCTN_70.pdf

By: Richard

Richard — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 21:16:18 +0000

There are two ways in which plants can help reduce global warming, by fixing carbon dioxide and by reflecting radiation back from the earth’s surface. Could I suggest Miscanthus as being a candidate for the first, not sure on the latter whether there is much difference bewteen species in reflectivity. Miscanthus grows on marginal quality soils and can be used to replace fossil fuels. However the conservationists need the marginal soil for nature conservation so the biofuels can ‘get off our land’ and save it for nature. The point being that with climate change plants will need to migrate and they will need the space with which to do this!
Richard.

By: mike

mike — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 17:12:57 +0000

I don't think there is an ideal plant for each of those concerns. Biodiversity cannot be achieved through the cultivation of one plant, but rather through respect for nature's own processes. For example, allowing ancient and veteran trees to remain to encourage insects. In other words, resisting the urge to tidy up! Encouraging birds, planting native trees and wild flowers, keeping old wood to encourage fungi and insects, composting etc. etc. The London Wildlife Trust has some interesting information on how to encourage biodiversity in your own garden. As for global cooling - I have no idea! Perhaps someone else can help..?!

By: Ray Lunt

Ray Lunt — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 07:49:53 +0000

Obviously it needs control even though it is beautifull and a member of the wonderfull Ericaceae. Does anyone know which species of plant contribute most to global cooling and which to biodiversity?