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White-flowered robinias are an invasive ornamental plant, the planting of which is prohibited in Lithuania and fines are imposed. In a post on social media, the mayor of Vilnius stated that he was not afraid of fines for the distribution of this species in Lithuania:
“We will give the city a green color. We do not cut or cut acacias or robinias, which have grown in Europe for hundreds of years. It does not matter what the bureaucrats of the ministry tell us. Today they threaten me with fines, the press read” , announces R. Šimašius in his publication.
However, Laura Janulaitienė, a specialist from the Ministry of the Environment, who contributed to the list of invasive plants and animals, says that this plant is harmful to the environment: the roots can change the environment and the ecosystem.
“This species has a negative impact on biodiversity: when this plant is cut or damaged, very large grasslands are formed.” The growth of the roots of this plant can reach up to 70 meters; grasslands can change the soil, biodiversity, and landscape.
As for why white-flowered robinia cannot be planted in the city, it should be noted that it is an ornamental plant that is out of control. It can start to spread behind residential houses on its own, so the spread of white-flowered robinia darkens the environment, ”says the specialist.
She mentions that the negative experience of finding robinia with white flowers is evidenced by examples: At Curonian Spit, they spread in such a way that they began to cause damage to the protected area.
“We have already noticed from the examples on Curonian Spit that the white-flowered robinia spreads uncontrollably, densely and causes great damage to this territory. White-flowered robinias simply flee from city vegetation, making them very difficult to control.
Scientists have discovered that this species is aggressive and difficult to control, it regenerates when the plant is cut and it can only be destroyed with chemicals ”, he comments.
The beekeeper and nursery owner Algirdas Amšiejus says that from his experience fighting this plant he realized that robinia is very persistent. Despite the persistence of the plant in the destruction of branches or stems, the white-flowered robinia is quite resistant to frost: it can survive even in sub-zero temperatures.
“As a beekeeper, I like robinia. It uses the bees to perfection, ”says the man.
Roots can knock down liners
According to L. Janulaitienė, many do not believe that the long roots of a plant can not only interfere with the growth of other plants, but also raise shingles or even the road surface:
“The roots of this plant can detach from the pavement, blocks or even asphalt, just like the roots of other trees. This is one of the additional threats to this plant, but it harms nature the most. As this plant does not die after cutting, but forms large pastures, it is not possible to determine what damage it will cause to the infrastructure ”, mentions the specialist.
Despite their long roots, white-flowered robinias have an abundance of flowers attached to dense clusters. Because they are very fragrant, they often attract large numbers of insects. Beekeeper Algirdas Amšiejus says this plant perfectly attracts worker bees.
“Robinia inflorescences are made up of many small flowers. Some complain that the plant releases a lot of pollen, while others are happy that it attracts a lot of insects. They are ideal for beekeepers, as they are a true paradise for bees. They can annoy those who don’t like bees, ”laughs the beekeeper.
A ministry spokeswoman said she should choose species that are less aggressive and can be planted.
“Robinia is really a plant that attracts a lot of insects. But after all, there are many non-aggressive trees, shrubs, and landraces that are safe to plant.
If science has selected the species that can be planted, it should be followed. After all, robinia itself has a variety of species that are not so aggressive, ”said a representative from the ministry.
The case of the mayor of the city: a misunderstanding
We also asked the ministry representative for an opinion on the idea of a mayor:
“These high-ranking plans from the capital have a negative impact on society. The position that a plant can be planted because it is beautiful must come with responsibility, because it must be understood that it is an ornamental plant, an invasive species. We want such a consensus that we have certain things forbidden and we trust science, “he says, adding:
“I think it’s a misunderstanding, because the mayor himself gave up that idea of robins after a while.”
Remigijus Šimašius announced the abandonment of his idea on social media:
“Until now, unfortunately, it is not possible to plant, it is not possible to distribute, but we are not going to cross either,” writes R. Šimašius.
The law stipulates that the planting of white-flowered robinias is subject to fines of 300 to 500 euros and legal entities: 800 to 1500 euros.
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