Re: NZ Metrosideros (was Street trees)
- Subject: Re: NZ Metrosideros (was Street trees)
- From: B* G*
- Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 18:16:47 -0700
theryans@xtra.co.nz writes:
>We have a most awful record here for thoughtless introductions both of
>plants and animals (mainly, but not all, back in the 19th century). One
>of the most destructive of all has been the possum I was talking about,
>which has devastated our forests, pushing many beautiful plant species
>towards extinction, such as Ratas and native misletoes, and killing off
>our rarer birds by attacking their nests. Ironically, when these beasts
>were introdued as a source of fur, Members of Parliament were competing
>to secure some for release in their particular electorates!!
It's such a shame. Jeeze, how thoughtless people back then were. We have a
somewhat similar problem with annual grasses from Europe (you're probably
aware), since the arrival of the Spanish, who brought their cattle with
them in the 1700's, we now have most of the grassy hillsides dominated by
nasty ripgut bromes, foxtails, wild oats, etc. They've pretty much pushed
out the native bunch grasses (which apparently are tastier to cattle).
I've read that the only places where you can see plants communities like
they were before Europeans settled are the serpentine soils, which are
toxic to the non-natives, but adapted natives thrive in them.
>
>
>Nowadays no plant or animal can be brought in without careful scrutiny
>and tests by the authorities to ensure it cannot run wild.
We dont seem to have such a rigorous program here, but we do have border
patrol at state borders who inspect vehicles to see if anyone is bringing
in animals or plants into the state. This amused my friend Kate quite a
bit (She is from Rhode Island). Although they usually take your word for
it and dont really force a check of your car, or motor home.
