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Weeds: Garden 'pests' are vital pollinators
4 Sep
Summary
- Weeds are resilient plants that enrich soil and transform ecosystems.
- New research highlights weeds' importance as pollinators and food sources.
- A booklet documents 59 weed species found in Empress Botanical Garden.
Often perceived as unwelcome intruders in gardens, weeds are resilient plants that play a vital role in enriching soil and transforming local ecosystems. Nature educators at the Rupa Rahul Bajaj Centre for Environment and Art (RRBCEA) in Pune are shifting perspectives on these plants, emphasizing their ecological significance.
A research project initiated last year at Empress Botanical Garden has led to the documentation of 59 weed species. These plants are crucial for biodiversity, acting as important pollinators that support bees and insects with nectar. Some weeds also serve as host plants for butterfly eggs and provide edible or medicinal properties.
The RRBCEA is celebrating its ninth Foundation Day with events focused on weeds, including a Weed Walk and the launch of a booklet detailing their findings. The initiative aims to encourage the public to view weeds not as nuisances, but as integral parts of the environment with beautiful flowers and essential ecological functions.
