Ecological Crisis or Misjudgment? A Controversy Unveiled at Dalian Yingge Stone Botanical Garden Over Canadian Goldenrod: A Reflection on Alien Invasive Species Management

 

In a recent article by Mr. Sun, fondly known as "Old Sun Head," founder of the renowned private botanical garden in China, Dalian Yingge Stone Botanical Garden, questions were raised about the management of invasive alien species (IAS), particularly regarding a citizen's report on his cultivation of Canadian goldenrod. The unfolding events can be summarized as follows: one day, Old Sun Head received a call from a concerned citizen who claimed that a plant called "Canadian goldenrod" (Scientific name: Solidago canadensis L.) in his garden was an invasive species threatening the local ecology. This call initiated a sequence of correspondences from local government departments advising the removal of the plant. Their tone was decisive, portraying the yellow-flowered plant as the mastermind behind a botanical disaster.

 

The article, titled "Is the Canadian Goldenrod That Terrifying? Exploring the Logic Behind Colorful Perspectives," provides an intriguing perspective. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the original piece (see endnote for reference). The article underscores the relationship between the environment and plants while pinpointing the current misconceptions in the management of invasive species, urging a shift away from "brainwashing" dissemination and "movement-style" eradication approaches. In light of this, it is essential to reevaluate the current extremist views on invasive alien species (IAS).

The piece opens with a concise yet impactful quote, "Is a single yellow flower that terrifying?" Mr. Sun immediately references the idiom "橘生淮南则为橘" (when oranges are grown in the south of the Huai River, they are oranges; when grown in north, the same species is different in flavor and nutrition), emphasizing the influence of the environment on plant characteristics. This scientific viewpoint aligns with the fundamental principles of ecology, urging a nuanced consideration of plant behavior under different environmental conditions.

 

Furthermore, Mr. Sun addresses the history and behavior of Canadian goldenrod in Dalian Yingge Stone Botanical Garden. Contrary to negative descriptions in certain reports, he asserts that the plant displayed no invasive tendencies in their garden. This suggests that so-called "invasive plants" may exhibit different characteristics in varying regions, emphasizing the need for scientific observation and empirical research to assess their impact on local ecosystems. The call is for a pragmatic approach, avoiding sweeping generalizations and absolute judgments.

 

Old Sun Head expresses reservations about the precision of higher-tier experts. He suggests that Canadian goldenrod's inclusion in the "List of Invasive Alien Species in China" might result from an overgeneralization of its behavior in specific regions, without due consideration of local variations. This critique emphasizes the importance of caution and scientific rigor in the evaluation of IAS, recognizing the diversity in plant behavior across different climates and soils.

 

The article also questions the unquestioning trust placed by local experts in the "List of Invasive Alien Species in China." Old Sun Head argues that blind adherence to such lists led to the excessive removal of Canadian goldenrod. This highlights the necessity for IAS management to be grounded in scientific judgment based on local realities, rather than relying solely on lists compiled by higher-tier experts.

 

In conclusion, Old Sun Head provides a list of plants with more apparent invasive tendencies in the local context compared to Canadian goldenrod. This prompts reflection on the need for a scientific perspective in IAS management, cautioning against a blanket approach based solely on a plant's inclusion in a particular list.

 

Rare is the voice of reason akin to Old Sun Head's. The article has garnered many approvals from my friends' circle, resonating with those who value a nuanced approach. Old Sun Head's logical viewpoints and reflections on current IAS management practices call for a shift toward empirical research, scientific judgment, and avoidance of blind dissemination and sweeping eradication measures. In our nation and localities, a balance between pragmatism and scientific inquiry is essential to avoid succumbing to dogma.

 

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AUTHOR'S STATEMENT: The essence of my article is not to argue against the necessary management of invasive alien species (IAS); rather, it emphasizes the need for a systematic approach, steering clear of turning it into a dogmatic form of regulation. Over the past four years, many regions in China have adopted a nearly "everyone condemns and beats the street rat" mentality when it comes to the Canadian goldenrod, which is listed as a national-level IAS species. This has led to a movement-style clearance, causing collateral damage to many native species, such as the indigenous goldenrod in China.

 

(Please note that this article represents the author's views and does not reflect the CBCGDF Media's perspective.)

 

Author: Shen Yihang

Editor: Samantha

 

[Reference]

Mr. Sun's original post see:

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ba93oCFDjmBbDtf7Qn_IlQ

  

Contact: V10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

 

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