“Alien” poison ivy also grows in Italy: where it is and the risks

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“Alien” poison ivy also grows in Italy: where it is and the risks

Bruno Lawrence

December 17, 2022

“Alien” poison ivy also grows in Italy: where it is and the risks

l’poison ivyDangerous poison ivy, which causes severe dermatitis every year in the United States and Canada, Also grows in ItalyThe discovery has now been published in the Italian journal ‘Botanist’, the official organ of the Italian Botanical Society, signed by three researchers from the Botanical Garden and Museum of the University of Pisa.

For the first time, endangered species native to North America and parts of China are included among the natural ones in our country: in fact, it identified in the Italian regionIt grows freely and profusely, among others, very popular among climbers.

Poison ivy in Italy: where it is found

l’poison ivy, scientific name Toxicodendron radicans, also known as Canada ivy: This species is native to parts of North America and China, and looks similar to common ivy. However, unlike the harmless Hedera helix, poison ivy is highly toxic and can cause Severe allergic reactions.

In Italy it was considered one Alien species Occasionally, that is, it is part of a non-native species for which scientific observations are limited to single specimens, often in limited areas. His presence has remained until today Recorded only twice, in 1893 and 1930, in Trentino Alto Adige. For the rest, there were suspicions that poison ivy had arrived on Italian rocks and forests, but no official word had yet come.

Thanks to the work of three researchersThe Garden and Botanical Museum of the University of PisaPoison ivy was officially listed today Alien species naturalized in Italy. The plant was discovered and recorded by Giovanni Astudi, Francesco Roma-Marzio and Roberta Vangelisti, who published the results of the study in the Italian Journal of Botany.

Poison Ivy Florence, A ImprunetaIt also passes through the historic area in the Sasi Neri area, a historic nature trail frequented by hikers and walkers. Copper mines of Impruneta.

Poison Ivy: Where It Grows and Why It’s Dangerous

A species just published is naturalized, i.e. the first report of its ability to grow spontaneously in Italy. As stated in the publication, the Tuscan population of Impruneta is “ The only recent report from ItalyAnd this is the first reported case of a naturalized species”.

there Dangerous alien plant is specifically identified in Source of boiler and along Norby’s trench, in mesophilic forest environments, i.e. medium water requirements and above Wet rocky environmentsIt seems to grow abundantly.

“With this species,” the note continues, “particular care is recommended”: In the United States and Canada, where it is widespread, the effects of poison ivy affect millions of people each year. “Touch it And the plant releases some toxins that cause allergic reactions,” he explains to The Courier. Lorenzo PeruzziProfessor of Systematic Botany at the University of Pisa.

Poison ivy, in particular, can cause major reactions Contact dermatitis, who can develop symptoms of a certain severity. The same problem occurs with similar plants Mandrake Or that Weed: Apparently they seem completely harmless and can be confused with common plants that we do not pay attention to, but There are substances that are highly toxic to humans.

As it is completely similar to common ivy and is practically unknown in our country, it is necessary for local administrations to inform people about its presence in our forests. New danger. To this end, we read in the ‘Courier’, the University of Pisa cultivates some specimens for research purposes, and is dedicated to providing information on its toxicity.

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