Here is the shrub that is best able to clean the polluted air by absorbing part of the dangerous substances emitted by car exhausts
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himA humble plant, a worldwide hedge shrub defies climate change and air pollution. A new study in Britain has found Cotoneaster franchetii to be the shrub it manages best clean the polluted air absorbing part of the dangerous substances emitted by car exhausts.
This plant, also known as Cotognastro, is a common hedge shrub and is characterized by lush bushes made of "hairy" leaves. The new study by scientists from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) found that it is one "Super plant" that helps strengthen the environment and improve human health thanks to the special ability to fight pollution by trapping harmful particles in the air.
According to the research, in traffic hotspots, Cotognastro is at least 20% more effective against pollution than other shrubs.
“On main city streets with heavy traffic we found that species with denser and more complex foliage, coarse, hairy leaves such as the cotoneaster were the most effective. We know that in just seven days a well-managed dense, meter-long hedge will absorb the same amount of pollution that a car emits on a 500-mile journey, ”said Dr Tijana Blanusa, head of the research.
In general, hedges, shrubs and trees provide the greatest long-term benefits for the environment and wildlife but this super plant traps 20% more emissions than others tested, so it could be very useful along busy roads. in the "hot spots" of pollution.
"Super plants" to mitigate climate change
Over the past 10 years, scientists from all over the world but also those of the RHS have intensified their research to find useful solutions to combat air pollution, heat waves and localized floods to amplify the positive impact of gardens and green spaces on the environment. Professor Alistair Griffiths, director of science and collections at RHS, explained:
“RHS studies have shown that the underlying traits of certain plant species, such as leaf shape and root characteristics, help alleviate numerous environmental problems. We are continually identifying new 'super plants' with unique qualities which, when combined with other vegetation, provide greater benefits and at the same time much-needed habitats for wildlife. "
Not just quince. According to the RHS, the'ivy which covers the walls is very useful for cooling buildings and the hawthorn and privet they help relieve heavy summer rains and reduce localized flooding.
"If planted in gardens and green spaces where these environmental problems are most prevalent, we could make a big difference in mitigating and adapting to climate change."
Hedge your bets on a ‘super plant’ and help to combat air pollution ?A new RHS science paper that looks at the…
Posted by RHS – Royal Horticultural Society on Thursday, February 18, 2021
Once again it is Mother Nature, with her powerful tools, to offer us free solutions to remedy our damage.
Sources of reference: RHS, Facebook / RHS
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