You may have walked there a hundred times without noticing the mahogany plant. But for biologist David Sluis it is a thorn in the side, especially now that Zaanstad wants to plant thousands of them. According to Sluis, the plant can proliferate and adds little to the ecosystem. “It’s green and has cute flowers on it, but it’s very dangerous.”
The mahogany has been used in Zaanstad for some time as greenery in flower beds and near parking strips. In the Het Kalf district, entire plots have now been prepared to put plants on the list of invasive exotic species, such as mahogany, in the ground.
“It will certainly attract some bees and butterflies,” says Sluis, but according to the biologist, caterpillars ignore the plant. “And what should that great tit eat in the residential area?”
To proliferate
The Animal Party also thinks it is a bad idea and will ask questions in the council on Thursday. There is a good chance that the invasive exotic species will proliferate in nearby nature reserves. And then extra money will be needed to combat that. “Base on various types and don’t bumble around like that,” says group leader Melchior Mattens.
The plants are not listed on the prohibited list list of invasive exotic species. Zaanstad purchased the greenery several years ago and does not comment on topics that are still being discussed in the council.
Sluis has a cheap and local alternative and hopes that Zaanstad will simply plant a traditional Dutch holly or privet in the green.