Range Expansion of Rhododendron ponticum in Scottish Highlands
iNaturalist Community
Summary
8.6/10Invasive rhododendron is advancing 2.1 km/year into Scottish highlands as warming winters remove elevation barriers.
Key Findings
2.1 km/year range expansion rate
Displacing native heather at higher elevations
Winter survival at 850m (new threshold)
Original Abstract
Citizen science data shows R. ponticum advancing 2.1 km/year into previously uncolonized highland valleys. Dense thickets are displacing native Calluna vulgaris heathland. Winter survival at 850m elevation suggests thermal barriers are eroding with warming winters.
Species Mentioned
Rhododendron, from Ancient Greek ῥόδον (rhódon), meaning "rose", and δένδρον (déndron), meaning "tree", is a very large genus of about 1,024 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae). They can be either evergreen or deciduous. Most species are native to eastern Asia and the Himalaya...
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