Sustainable control of unwanted plants
Neophytes are plants that are not native to Switzerland and have integrated into our flora and fauna. Around 550 species have established themselves in Switzerland. The majority of these alien plants are well integrated into our environment. Some neophytes, on the other hand, pose a threat to our native plant world due to their rapid spread. One problem is the so-called invasive neophytes. The best-known neophytes in northwestern Switzerland include Japanese knotweed, which can spread rapidly, and annual bindweed, which forms large pure stands and thus suppresses valuable native plants.
We protect your garden from unwanted neophytes
Over the past 500 years, a number of foreign plants have been introduced to Central Europe and Switzerland. Throughout this time they have become firmly integrated into our ecosystem. Neophytes are plants that are not originally native to Europe. At that time, they were brought to us intentionally and unintentionally as seeds or plants from the various continents. Some kings and emperors sent plant messengers who brought beautiful and unique plants into the royal gardens. Since then, many of these species have been able to settle and spread in the wild due to suitable environmental conditions.
A few of the "new" plants can behave invasively. These problem plants are called invasive neophytes. They spread rapidly and displace the native flora. Certain plants are dangerous to our health, others can destabilise stream banks or damage buildings. Currently, 41 species are considered to be demonstrably harmful invasive neophytes and 17 species are considered to be potentially harmful invasive neophytes in Switzerland. According to neophyt.ch, only about 10% of the neophytes occurring in Switzerland are problem plants.
