Two plants found in valley

Grey's Anatomy · Post by **Grey's Anatomy** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:40 am

I've came across these two plants (one of them is a tree actually and the photo is taken from the distance), one of which is commonly found alongside roads intentionally planted for aesthetic value. Can you please help me identify since these are most likely alien species and couldn't find them in any of the books.

RB · Post by RB » Mon Sep 10, 2007 11:04 am

Nerium oleander

Nasturtium

RB

Post by **MWP admin** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 11:30 am

First one too much unfocused, but the pink colour matches with Nerium oleander. They look a bit smallish, but I cannot figure out the dimensions in the photo.

2nd scientific name is Tropaeolum majus (= Nasturtium)

Grey's Anatomy · Post by **Grey's Anatomy** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 5:42 pm

Are they alien species or native ones?? Because the second one seems to be flourishing in the Maltese countryside and at quite a fast rate. Seems to grow everywhere, even on very disturbed land.

Post by **MWP admin** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 7:03 pm

It is a Naturalized Alien, and if you search the forum, you will notice that my observations are same as yours regards it's increase.

In some micro-habitats it have became invasive (nothing much grows apart from it in that area). In minds comes a large patch at wied Incita.

This plant can be controlled because if not mistaken, it is an annual, and strictly speaking, if one removes the plant before fruiting (= seed dispersal), next year none will grow. In practice there is always few seeds that are dormant after the first season, and germinate on the second/third...? year.

Hope it helps!

Grey's Anatomy · Post by **Grey's Anatomy** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 9:31 pm

It did help loads actually. Thank you so much. Very much appreciated.