Fun and games today! I was visited by 2 'agents' from the MedioAmbiente (Environment) who came to dig up some of my plants! Namely a grass that looks like a small pampas, it's called Rabo de gato or Cat's tail.
They had noticed an invasive plant on our local roundabout and their enquiries had led them to me. Hands up, I was guilty, although completely ignorant of the fact it was considered an invasive plant. I had actually bought it from a reputable garden centre on the island, along with a second one that was in my garden. Apparently the garden centre had already been visited in the last few days and given the info about the species as well.
If you see any of these around, in gardens or the wild, (they grow approx. 18-24" tall), or if you just think it may be this plant, please call the ghostbusters, sorry MedioAmbient guys on the number shown. They will come and remove the plant for you - they dig it up, seal it in plastic and take it and burn it to make sure no seeds or bits of root manage to survive the normal rubbish systems. (Ask for Rafael on the Agentes number - he speaks a little English.)
click on pic to enlarge
(http://i62.tinypic.com/11rvqfc.jpg)
While I was a bit startled to be tracked down by these guys I have to say that they were really friendly and funny. They said they were renewing the campaign and would be publishing an article in the local paper (Spanish language) - they looked a bit perplexed when I suggested they publish in English papers/mags as well so I said I would do what I could to spread the word (as opposed to the plant seed!). I have found an article from Noticanarias.com in 2013 that I have translated below:
Agents of Environment, Department of Flora, the staff of the Biological Station and in this case the City of Tuineje collaborate to eliminate the presence of this plant included in the national catalog of invasive species.
January 17, 2013
The Cabildo of Fuerteventura, from its Ministry of Environment, works these days to eradicate an outbreak of Pennisetum setaceumen, invasive plant species known as 'cat's tail', which was recently discovered in the town of Tarajalejo (Tuineje).
The Minister of the area in the institution, Natalia Évora, said that "the presence of the 'cat's tail' on the island is a fact for several years, but monitoring of the species has allowed it under control so far. However, I must say that the focus discovered in Tarajalejo had reached a size of some consideration because it had not been detected so far. "
Said Natalia Évora "These days we are conducting an intensive campaign to eradicate the species in the area, counting on the involvement of agents of Environment of the Cabildo and the cooperation of the City of Tuineje, since the focus was located in an urban environment, specifically in the Puerto Azul urbanization ".
The Minister placed special emphasis on highlighting as "taking into account the problems that cat's tail has caused in other islands, this Ministry has several departments working on the issue, not only the agents of Environment, but also staff Biological Station of La Oliva, or departments of Environmental Education Flora, the'll get a brochure on invasive species on the island. We are all united and aware to avoid that in the future the 'tail cat' can become a problem our biodiversity. "
Focus control
The methodology used by the Ministry of Environment of the Cabildo to eradicate the focus of Pennisetum setaceumen located in Tarajalejo begins with the manual removal of seeds in each of the plants as well as those that might have fallen into the surroundings. Then proceed to remove all copies, using agricultural tools for the extraction of the plant is complete, from the root. Finally, the area with herbicides, in this non-polluting because it is an urban area, thus preventing the case reproduction is focus. All specimens and seeds removed are introduced in airtight plastic bags to prevent the genetic material is released elsewhere in the island territory, prior to their removal step.
An invasive species
The 'cat's tail' (Pennisetum setaceumen) is one of the most invasive species biological potential of the world, and therefore is included in the national catalog of invasive species. In the Canaries, this exotic plant the grass family and native to East Africa has caused serious problems displacing local species like tajinaste the verode or saladillo, and is especially prevalent on islands like La Palma, Tenerife or Gran Canaria . In Fuerteventura, where he was located for the first time in 1999, the species is controlled, and its presence is mostly associated with the roadsides. Other outbreaks that occurred previously, for example in Morro Jable, were located and eradicated.
Use
One of the biggest problems of the 'tail cat' is that it is unusable for livestock, making it even more difficult to biological control. Recent initiatives are directed to use this plant for making paper.
Recommended
The Ministry of Environment of the Cabildo recommends that people contact the Environmental Agents should locate a focus of 'cat's tail'. If an individual decides to retire the plant itself, do so completely from the root, preferably using a hoe, and then enter it in a sealed plastic bag for delivery to agents, which will proceed to its elimination.
Have to say I was a bit concerned to see that they give an emergency number to call on their poster, 112 !! what do they think this plant is likely to do while you are calling a standard number? LOL
totally fine to grow this shiot though
(http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1616151/images/o-MARIJUANA-PLANT-facebook.jpg)
(http://www.boethingtreeland.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1440x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/P/e/Pennisetum-setaceum-ruppelii-3.jpg)
Pennisetum Setaceum
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Pennisetum_setaceum_flower.jpg)
Its flower
More images here: https://www.google.es/search?q=Pennisetum+setaceum&es_sm=119&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=M40TVY65IcHsUsTbgsgH&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=633#imgdii=_
Hahaha! That made me laugh........did they come along in full protective clothing https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=images+of+protective+clothing&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1280&bih=521&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=VbATVZmFJourUdWvgagL&ved=0CDUQsAQ
The first time I've seen this plant was this year after all the rain, thought it was very pretty. There's loads of it growing just outside Gran Tarajal and all over the island.
thanks tamaraenlaplaya just had a visit from the cabildo, i had three plants they took them away and promised to replace them with something else, very helpful ,we have to protect were we live ,,,,
Quote from: emmi on March 26, 2015, 07:10:10 AM
Hahaha! That made me laugh........did they come along in full protective clothing https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=images+of+protective+clothing&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1280&bih=521&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=VbATVZmFJourUdWvgagL&ved=0CDUQsAQ
Well, they had matching red jackets and a supply of bin bags.........
Quote from: glenys on March 26, 2015, 11:58:36 AM
The first time I've seen this plant was this year after all the rain, thought it was very pretty. There's loads of it growing just outside Gran Tarajal and all over the island.
I liked it so much I bought
the company some plants!