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   Heracleum mantegazzianum (herb)
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    Details of this species in Germany
    Status: Alien
    Invasiveness: Invasive
    Occurrence: Established
    Source: EIAS, 2003; EPPO, 2006; Klingenstein, 2007; Huls et al, 2007; Thiele & Otte, 2007; Thiele & Otte, 2008
    Arrival Date: late 1900's
    Introduction: Intentional
    Species Notes for this Location:
    The plant was introduced to Germany in the late 1900's but a large increase in population was observed in the 1960's and can be attributed to the import of the plant from the Soviet Union into the former GDR- the German Democratic Republic where it has enjoyed popularity as an ornamental plant.
    H. mantegazzianum was found to be present and a potentially dangerous invader to 2/3 of German districts and occupies atleast 57% of the grid cells in the national floristic map (Thiele & Otte, 2008).
    Management Notes for this Location:
    Giant hogweed is most often mechanically removed. Chemical control with the herbicide glyphosate is effective and is currently used.
    Location Notes:
    In Germany, the use of triclopyr and glyphosate is authorized in the control of Heracleum mantegazzianum on non-arable land. It requires an official permit of the local agricultural authority. The cost for treating an area of 1.9 ha amounted to 11 thousand euros in the years 2002-2004. The treatments yeilded good control but seedling emergence was high and further treatment for several years was predicted necesarry until seed banks were exhausted (HERMA, 2005). In Germany, the total cost of control is estimated to be 10 mill. euros/a: 8 mill. euros for the control along traffic routes, 1 mill. euros for injuries and 1 mill. euros to control it in nature reserves (Reinhardt et al. 2003).
    Impacts:
    Habitat alteration: Heracleum mantegazzianum establishes stands of up to almost 100% cover that greatly decrease species diversity and significantly alter habitats in Germany (Thiele & Otte, 2007).
    Hybridisation: Heracleum mantegazzianum hybridizes with European native Heracleum sphondylium (Klingenstein, 2007).
    Last Modified: 23/02/2011 3:18:59 p.m.


ISSG Landcare Research NBII IUCN University of Auckland