Ecologists demand ‘invasive’ plant be tackled in Murcia

ECOLOGISTS are calling for the removal of 3,000 plants from the Condado de Alhama resort in Murcia.

The Ecologists in Action group are complaining that the development, in the south west of the Costa Calida, has more than 3,000 fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) plants in an area between the resort and the RM-23 motorway. The plant is native to parts of eastern and tropical Africa and the Middle East and is considered an exotic, invasive species in Spain.

The hardy grasses, with purple flower heads, are able to withstand drought and grow quickly making them a popular choice but the ecologists’ group said they threatened native species and could increase the threat of wildfires.

They called for it to be removed, particularly in the Alhama area, which is within the drainage basin of the Los Saladares de Guadalentin protected area. Ecologists in Action are calling for its immediate removal and asked the regional government to fine those who plant it.