How many non-native plant species in Britain?

[Adam Cheeseman]

Hi Folks,

Here's a question for you. How many non-native plant species do you think have been recorded in the wild in Britain? I'll give you the answer in a couple of days.

Cheers,

Adam

[htcdude]

I know nothing about flowers/plants etc, I'll guess at 768

Nige

[Johnny81]

Good question. From a paper I have (1997) an estimated 1387 non-native species have been recorded wild in Britain. 55 000 garden plants and varieties also!

[artdemole]

N.N Species now at 1800 but not yet verified.

[basquesteve]

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

Hi Folks,

Here's a question for you. How many non-native plant species do you think have been recorded in the wild in Britain? I'll give you the answer in a couple of days.

Cheers,

Adam

What is the definition of "wild"

Steve

[Deb London]

According to Lack (2010) [in http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/re...ct/703/cat/23] native vascular flora number approx. 1300. Twenty times this number or more are plants introduced to the British Isles. 150 are archaeophytes and well integrated. 10% neophytes escaped (only 10% of these are self-sustaining though).

1300 x 20 = 26,000 introductions. From the above we have to assume that 25,850 are neophytes, but that this number cannot be that accurate.

2585 neophytes escaped (only 259 are self-sustaining; Lack quotes 230 species so that is a good estimate).

More than 2585 neophytes + 150 archaeophytes = 2735 or more non-native plants are/have been found in the wild (unless my maths is wrong, will re-check sums later).

Hope this figure fits with the actual number or I will want my money back, and that will be a pity, because it's a very good book.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Originally Posted by basquesteve

What is the definition of "wild"

Steve

Having been found growing in a wild state (i.e. not-planted) in the countryside on surveys.

Cheers,

Adam

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

Hi Folks,

Here's a question for you. How many non-native plant species do you think have been recorded in the wild in Britain? I'll give you the answer in a couple of days.

Cheers,

Adam

Are you going out to count them Adam?
I know from garden plants I see miles from anywhere, that these "foreigners" are quite happy in the wild I would guess around 20,000

[Johnny81]

Well how do we define wild? I think we have to look at historical stuff from the last ice age. Many plants previous to the ice age would have been exterminated. Then we have to look at the spread of the wild wood (10-5k years ago). Some are relics from this period. I also think we should remember that we think some plants have became extinct although this may not be so as some could be still in the seed bank or just crop up from time to time i.e. the ghost orchid.

The New British and Irish Flora distinguishes between native plant species, archaeophytes (introduced <1600 AD) and neophytes (>1600 AD).

Well this is my understanding of it anyway!

[Dorts]

Not getting involved. Too complicated. (but an interesting question).
Dorts.