The yellow deluge: Zackenschötchen threatens Thuringia's nature!

The yellow deluge: Zackenschötchen threatens Thuringia's nature!

A plant is currently spreading in Thuringia that is known as the “yellow deluge” and also poses a serious problem for native flora. The Oriental jagged peas produces over a thousand seeds per plant and finds particularly good conditions in poor grassland areas. However, the attractiveness of the flowering plant is reflected in a growing threat to local biodiversity because it leads to monocultures and could endanger the natural balance in our landscape in the long term.

The biological properties of the jasmine are remarkable: it is resilient and requires little care, which gives it an advantage when it comes to propagation. What is interesting is that this plant is currently not on the EU Union list, which means there are no official containment measures. However, it is classified as “potentially invasive” in the Gray List, indicating the need for action.

Combat challenges

Fighting the blackheads is a real challenge. Loud MDR Garden The best time to remove should be shortly after the flowering period, as the seeds are not yet ripe. Topping too early could even produce new flowers, and half-ripe seeds can also continue to thrive after cutting. The invasive plant also sprouts from the roots, which makes it essential to remove the plant in a timely and complete manner. Disposal should be done with household waste, not with compost or green waste.

There are already projects to combat this plant in ecologically sensitive areas in the Saale-Holzland district and Jena. Stocks are mapped here and different containment methods are developed. Action days to remove the plants also take place in May/June and September/October in order to actively involve the population and raise awareness.

Together against the spread

The “Thüringer Rhön” landscape conservation association and the “Natura 2000” station are already actively involved in combating the spread of the jag pods, but need the support of the population. Anyone who finds populations can report them via the plant identification app Flora Incognita by entering the code 1NV-ADE-5HK. The “Invasive Species SHLK” project welcomes reports and information about the affected areas.

The problem of invasive plants is not limited to Thuringia. In Hesse, for example, the Giessen Landscape Conservation Association is working on an extensive database on invasive plant species. A team of biologists and landscape ecologists is gathering information about the distribution to develop effective control methods. Here, too, the population is asked, whether by reporting invasive plants or by actively participating in control campaigns. Climate change also favors the growth of such plants, so increasing awareness of the issue is essential.

In summary, the Oriental crested pod is not only a challenge for nature, but also an invitation to all of us to act actively and informedly. Let's raise awareness of our native flora together and take action against the invasive threat!