“Susanita” is the common name of the flower that, due to its orange color, attracts attention. In the Loja basin, we find it in certain places. However, professionals recommend its removal, to prevent it from attacking the ecosystem.
The Start Thunberg It is identified as an invader in several countries, it is also called “Susanita”, “poet’s eye”, “ox’s eye” or “cat’s eye”.
It grows on the banks of rivers, gets entangled in the trunks of trees and takes over the land due to its rapid growth.
Affect
The professional indicated that “Susanita” grows in tropical and subtropical areas, at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level (m asl), affecting 100% of the native vegetation.
In the hole of Loja it is easy to find it. For example, in the La Argelia sector, by the National University of Loja. And on the banks of the Malacatos and Zamora rivers.
It also develops, in the lower part of the Celica canton, Gonzanamá; and in the province of Zamora Chinchipe.
Withdrawal
Its massive growth covers the vegetation layer, wraps around the trees and creates a blanket that prevents the passage of light to the lower part, removing light and preventing other plants from photosynthesizing and developing.
Its removal must be done manually, removing the plant from the trees. It is not recommended to do it with chemicals because it affects other species.
In rural areas, when farmers detect its presence, “they cut it down immediately so that it does not harm their crops,” argued Benavides Maldonado.
Job
He recommends giving it proper management, to prevent it from growing on trees and in natural areas.
He also made a call to institutions such as the Ministry of the Environment, university students and the local City Hall, to unite to carry out permanent cleaning days at the plant. (YO)
GIVEN
They recommend removing the plant manually, prohibiting its sale and planting.