rec.gardens.ecosystems homepage -> archive: MOD$000802.29272@rec.gardens.ecosystems



Subject: Re: native trees
From: wtmorgan@pilot.msu.edu (Bill Morgan)
Organization: MSU
Date: Wed, 02 Aug 00 10:13:45
Message-ID: <MOD$000802.29272@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$000722.15017@rec.gardens.ecosystems> <MOD$000728.9679@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



In article <MOD$000728.9679@rec.gardens.ecosystems>, Tyler Hopper
wrote:

>
> Apparently it is common. Some people seem to feel that "adapted a long time ago"
> = native. I found the same thing as you in looking for "native S. Texas" plants.

Yep, people do tend to think that way. "Naturalized" is the more correct
term. The problem is simply that our individual memories are so short,
compared to the fact that introductions of alien species began on a large
scale several centuries back. Some examples:

Where I grew up, some folks refered to common Mullien as "Indian tobacco"
despite the fact that it is a European import.

Ever see a western movie set circa 1860-1880 where there were tumbleweeds
all over the place? The most common tumbleweed (Russian thistle) wasn't
even introduced until about 1890. The other tumbleweeds (tumble mustard,
bush morning glory, and some minor ones) aren't the ones depicted.

Regards,
Bill

--
Bill Morgan
"Those who do not learn the lessons of science fiction are condemned to
live them."

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