A new regulation on invasive alien plants in Poland
A decree of the Polish Ministry of Environment on invasive alien species was released in September 2011 and came into force in September 2012. It imposes restrictions concerning 52 invasive alien species (16 plants and 36 animals). The aim of the new regulation is to reduce the risk of introduction of the most invasive alien species that are either absent, or still restricted in their range in Poland.
Official permission should be obtained from the General Director for Environmental Protection to import, keep, breed or sell these species. Breaking the law is subject to a fine or jail.
The regulated alien plant species are: Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae, EPPO List of Invasive Alien Plants), Asclepias curassavica (Asclepiadoideae), Azolla filiculoides (Azolaceae, EPPO Observation List of Invasive Alien Plants), Crassula helmsii (Crassulaceae, EPPO A2 List), Echinocystis lobata (Cucurbitaceae), Elodea nuttalli (Hydrocharitaceae, EPPO List of IAP), Fallopia x bohemica;(Polygonaceae, EPPO List of IAP), Fallopia japonica ;(Polygonaceae, EPPO List of IAP), Fallopia sachalinensis (Polygonaceae, EPPO List of IAP), Heracleum mantegazzianum (Apiaceae, EPPO List of IAP), Heracleum sosnowskyi (Apiaceae, EPPO A2 List), Impatiens capensis (Balsaminaceae), Impatiens glandulifera (Balsaminaceae, EPPO List of IAP), Lysichiton americanus (Araceae, EPPO Observation List of IAP), Spartina anglica (Poaceae) and Ulex europaeus (Fabaceae).
Sources
Polish Official Journal n°210, article 2011.1260, list of invasive alien plants and animal that may pose a threat for native species and habitats [in Polish]
Personal communication with Wojciech Solarz, Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences. Email: solarz@iop.krakow.pl