- Region
- Vega baja
- Marina Alta
- Marina Baixa
- Alicante
- Baix Vinalopo
- Alto & Mitja Vinalopo
-
ALL TOWNS
- ALICANTE TOWNS
- Albatera
- Alfaz Del Pi
- Alicante City
- Alcoy
- Almoradi
- Benitatxell
- Bigastro
- Benferri
- Benidorm
- Calosa de Segura
- Calpe
- Catral
- Costa Blanca
- Cox
- Daya Vieja
- Denia
- Elche
- Elda
- Granja de Rocamora
- Guardamar del Segura
- Jacarilla
- Los Montesinos
- Orihuela
- Pedreguer
- Pilar de Horadada
- Quesada
- Rafal
- Redovan
- Rojales
- San Isidro
- Torrevieja
- Comunidad Valenciana
- EDITIONS: Spanish News Today Murcia Today Andalucia Today
article_detail
Date Published: 22/04/2021
ARCHIVED - Orihuela on the warpath against invasive Arizona cactus
The invasive species threatens to colonize the San Miguel mountain as it spreads across the Alicante province
The head of the Environmental department from Orihuela Town Hall, Dámaso Aparicio, is currently campaigning to control the spread of the invasive Arizona cactus, which is extending across the Sierra de Orihuela at a rapid rate.
This species, also known as cylindropuntia rosea, which is originally from Mexico and the South of the United States, reached Europe in the 90’s, and is now widespread along the Mediterranean coastline.
The Arizona cactus is characterized by its large and sharp spikes, which can be dangerous to humans and animals and can easily become wedged in clothing, boots and sports equipment.
The main reason the cacti have been able to spread so easily is because the spikes (attached to a small piece of flesh of the plant from which a new plant can grow) and seeds attach themselves to people or animals, who unknowingly transport the species from one area to the other, facilitating reproduction. Another reason is that this species thrives in the type of warm and dry climate predominant in Orihuela.
They're often seen growing in ramblas or on roadsides and many an unsuspecting gardener has stopped off to pick up a piece which has fallen off and taken it home for their own garden; this is the other method by which the plant spreads, as a small section of the plant can root almost anywhere and pieces of the plant swept down a rambla during the rains will root wherever they end up.
Once it has taken hold, it is very difficult to eradicate and grows into huge two metre high clumps, spreading sideways as the taller branches break off and the pieces root into the soil alongside them.
The spikes, and sections of the plant, detach very easily and any contact at all with the plant is likely to conclude with an injured party departing with a spike or two stuck in their clothing or flesh, as the Ed. will testify having attempted to remove every trace of this cactus from her own garden unsuccessfully.
Its ability to self-propagate has resulted in a proliferation of the cactus across many dry mountain sides in the province and currently, the cacti are threatening to over-run the San Miguel mountain in Orihuela, closer to historic sites such as Castillo de los Moros and the old San Antón baths.
Sr Aparicio has started several initiatives to detain the Arizona cacti, including requesting help and funding from the regional government and recruiting members of the local mountaineering association to remove specimens from hard-to-reach places.
He has also expressed his concern that the invasive species could reach historic sites, including the Palmeral de Orihuela; although offending young plants can easily be removed, once this plant becomes established and widespread in the municipality, it will certainly be an even greater challenge to try and eradicate it in the future.
There's only one solution; a pair of thick rubberised gloves, a saw, bucket and forked instrument with which to pick up the pieces and a dose of determination to remove the plant from wherever it is growing before it spreads out of control.
Contact Murcia Today: Editorial 966 260 896 /
Office 968 018 268