The Purpose of Cultivating Cytisus Scoparius - Essay Example

Running Head: Cytisus Scoparius Cytisus Scoparius [Institute’s Cytisus Scoparius Since last decade, a significant attention has been given to existence of invasive plants due to understanding related to their possible harmful effects on biological, economical, and environmental aspects of human lives. In terms of definition, when an economy, environment, or human health confronts possibilities of harm from any alien species, such species is referred as invasive ones. In present decade, a number of steps have been taken to provide awareness to stakeholders involved in horticulture, such as producers, exporters, importers, as well as, consumers around the globe, in order to reduce the harmful effects of invasive plants. In this regard, Cytisus Scoparius is one of the known invasive plants that are still being cultivated, distributed, and sold through horticulture. In specific, this paper will discuss some of the different aspects of this invasive plant, in order to understand its invasive potential, as well as, stakeholders that are presently involved in its utilization. In the 1800s, European settlers were the first ones to bring Cytisus Scoparius in New Zealand along with other species. According to studies, this perennial woody shrub has the characteristics to attain a height of ten feet while having erected branches, yellow plentiful flowers followed by trodden pods and little white hairs.1 Western and central Europe has nativity of this leguminous hedging plant; however, stakeholders involved in horticulture has resulted in its invasive potentials by growing it outside of its native location. Broom is the standard name used for Cytisus Scoparius in the United Kingdom and Ireland; however, such term is used for other related plants as well and thus, Scotch Broom is another term that has been widespread in other countries of the globe. North America is one of the common locations that witness cautious naturalization of this European shrub that is carried out in huge amounts. According to some experts, this European shrub with yellow pea-shaped flowers is one of the most popular plants in the industry of horticulture that has resulted in significant consideration by the ecologists, environmentalists, and other experts as well. According to a study of year 2004, more than 2.4 million square feet of land was occupied by Cytisus Scoparius in North America alone. One of the major reasons of its popularity in horticulture trade is production capacity of a single Cytisus Scoparius of more than 11,000 seeds, which results in the creation of more than two thousand seeds per square feet, which are distributed by different means, such as water, vehicles, birds, as well as, sheep droppings.2 Another common utilization of this invasive plant is decoration that results in its cultivation in huge amounts by horticulturists. According to the definition of horticulturists, it is the responsibility of horticulturists to increase production, as well as, nutritional value, and carry out steps to resolve environmental issues through scientific methodologies. However, commercial demand of horticulture trade has resulted in cultivation of invasive plants such as Broom that are harmful to human health and environment as well. In this regard, different means of horticulture techniques are used to attain color variations in flowers of Cytisus Scoparius that are now commercially available in deep yellow, orange, red, and other color variations for ornamental purposes. In California, Australia, New Zealand, and a number of several countries, Cytisus Scoparius comes under the classification of a harmful invasive plant. Despite of such classification and its identified potentials to impact human health, a huge quantity of such plant has been cultivated by horticulturists in locations near to human habitat that has resulted in adverse ecological, biological, and other effects. One of the common ecological impacts of Broom is that production of native plants is averted and prevented, which affects the ecology in an adverse manner.3 In addition, a high fire hazard in locations cultivated with Cytisus Scoparius has been predicted by experts that will impede the process of reforestation in such locations. In this regard, environmental organizations are endeavoring to reduce such adverse effects by the utilization of broom-feeding insects that will facilitate in the development of biological management of such invasive plant in various parts of the globe, especially, North America. Still, meadows, roadsides, and grasslands are some of the common locations that have been invaded by Cytisus Scoparius with the help of horticulturists. In addition, waterways are other popular means of distribution of its seeds from one location to another. Moreover, inland valleys of Pacific Northwest have now become the recognized locations for the cultivation of Cytisus Scoparius, and thus, most popular location in horticulture trade as well. Scientifically, pH values from 4.5 to 7.5 are preferred by experts to grow this invasive plant in sandy and dry soil. Moreover, ripen seeds are usually used to grow this plant, and studies have noticed that its growth does well in sheltered areas.4 Transplantation process of seedlings is done in autumn season that is followed by different other processes, such as selection of dry and sandy areas for its cultivation, and cultivation is increased by growing them in layers. Another significant purpose of cultivating and selling this invasive plant is its medicinal usage that has made it popular in horticulture trade. In early spring, collection of flowering branches is carried out, as studies have indicated that most alkaloid is contained in herbaceous tips of these branches, which is then used for medicinal purposes.5 In other process, a small percent of alcohol is mixed with fresh tops of Cytisus Scoparius that result in obtaining Broom Juice that is referred as Succus Scoparii, and is used by a number of pharmaceutical companies in different parts of the globe.6 In this regard, pharmaceutical companies of a number of countries, such as, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, etc. use the invasive plant to produce drugs for medicinal purposes that is another major reason for the cultivation and popularity of Cytisus Scoparius in horticulture trade. Conclusively, the paper has discussed some of the significant aspects of Cytisus Scoparius, which is one of the most common invasive plants cultivated, sold, and distributed in different parts of the globe with the help of horticulturists. It is hoped that the paper will be beneficial for students, teachers, and professionals in better understanding of the topic. References Arthur Harmount Graves. 1992. Illustrated Guide to Trees and Shrubs. Courier Dover Publications. David Elliston Allen. 2004. Medicinal Plants in Folk Tradition. Timber Press. James A. Duke. 2002. The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. St. Martin’s Press. Jo Ann Gardner. 2005. Herbs in Broom. Timber Press. L. R. Verma. 1999. Diseases of Horticultural Crops. Indus Publishing. Read More