You probably think of Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors when I say alien plant. Some real life alien plants are even scarier than that man-eating monstrosity though. Many of these look innocent but lean in a little closer, if you dare, and see how terrifying these super villains are.
1. English Ivy
English Ivy. Beaty Biodiversity Museum.
Poison Ivy is one of the great evil Batman comic characters for a reason. English Ivy isn’t much better. Killer of trees, destroyer of building structures, and smotherer of native plants.
2. Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed. Beaty Biodiversity Museum.
The very, very unfriendly giant. The sap from this plant causes of rashes, welts, and blisters that can last up to 10 years! Do not get the sap in your eyes because it can cause blindness. Sun exposure makes the sap even more virulent.
3. Scotch Broom
Scotch Brush. Beaty Biodiversity Museum.
Their oh so pretty yellow flowers may trick you. But don’t be fooled - they ooze toxins to push out other plants and fuel forrest fires with their density.
4. Daphne Laurel
Daphne Laurel. Beaty Biodiversity Museum.
You'll rue the day you came to know this plant. It changes the chemistry of the soil, decreasing biodiversity by destroying all other plants around it. Plus all parts of this plant are toxic.
All four of these can be found around the Lower Mainland. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Find out more – come to our talk about Alien Plants on Saturday April 30th at 2:00pm.
