Neophyte afternoon, 30 May 2024
Neophytes thoroughly cleared despite rain
The pupils of class 3 b of Kreisschule Oberstufe Schenkenbergertal district school and their teacher Andreas Müller helped the two men in charge of controlling neophytes on behalf of the municipality of Schinznach in their work.
Mr Locher from the building authority and Mr Grevink from Grevink Garten explained to the helpers why their work matters. They showed their helpers how the harmful annual fleabane looks and instructed the schoolchildren in how to remove and dispose of the weed. They got to work and systematically turned two locations into fleabane-free zones.
Reward for the work
EGK is supporting the schoolchildren in this valuable work by making a contribution to the school camp in San Remo at the end of June. In addition, EGK offered the class apples, bread rolls with chocolate filling and drinks.
What does the harmful fleabane look like?
- the plant is 30-150 cm long
- the upright, hairy stem branches at the top
- the leaves are arranged alternately
- the flower heads are white or pale pink ray florets with yellow disc florets in the middle
- it spreads via tiny seeds that fly through the air
If the plants are not yet in bloom, they can be confused with knapweed or types of daisy.
Key points to remember when removing fleabane:
- Take the plant out by the roots
- Dispose of it with the rubbish, so it is burned and cannot spread
What are neophytes and how are they controlled:
- Neophytes are invasive plants that spread quickly and displace the native flora.
- There are about 18 known types of invasive neophyte.
- These species must not be cultivated. They may no longer be circulated as they are banned.
- The plants must be taken out by the roots and burned.
