Chinese creeper (Mikania micrantha) ; also known as mile-a-minute and bittervine is the most highly invasive plant to have established a foothold in Taiwan in recent years. It is infamous for its ability to reproduce and spread rapidly. It is known as the “ecological killer” and “green cancer” and has already spread widely in low elevation areas of central, southern and eastern Taiwan. Since its presence was discovered in Taroko National Park, the park headquarters has never let down its guard and for several years has actively cleared Chinese creeper from the park and surrounding areas and carried out related public information work.
Chinese creeper has also been discovered in the Tianxiang area of the park, at an elevation of around 480 meters. In light of the threat to the natural ecology posed by the plant and other invasive species the park staff routinely remove the plant when it is encountered. In addition, conservation volunteers, substitute military personnel and interns were mobilized by the park headquarters to take part in Chinese creeper removal work July 10-11, the aim being to eradicate as much of it as possible before it flowers.
Chinese creeper is a perennial vine. It can reproduce sexually using its seeds or asexually by growing shoots from its stem node, making it difficult to fully eradicate. It grows best in places where the soil is fertile, moist and rich in organic compounds and where humidity is high. As a climbing plant it blocks out the sunlight, killing or damaging other plants, indirectly affecting birds and other wild life, causing economic losses and damaging the natural ecology.
A Taroko National Park Headquarters spokesperson said that to avoid inappropriate disposal resulting in secondary spread of Chinese creeper care has to be taken when removing it. If the stem nodes are accidentally allowed to fall off the plant will probably grow again. Seedlings or smaller plants can be pulled up whole. If a Chinese creeper has already climbed a tree it isn’t necessary to pull down the vine from the tree; it is suggested that the plant is chopped in half about 20 centimeters above the ground using a machete, then all the stems that are touching the ground or creeping on the ground are pulled up together with the roots, then follow-up removal carried out a few days later. Even after being removed Chinese creeper has to be disposed of carefully. It is recommended that it is used as compost or discarded after being thoroughly dried to prevent secondary dispersal. The park spokesperson said that preventing the spread of invasive plants requires long term effort and the participation of the general public. Any suggestions from the public about counter measures to prevent the spread of Chinese creeper are welcome.
News issued by: Taroko National Park Headquarters
Translated by: Kevin Lax
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Taiwan
Time:Wednesday,08 September 2010 03:00 AM (GMT+08:00)
