Ghent (The Brussels Morning newspaper): A rapidly growing Anna Paulowna tree in Ghent is blocking sunlight for residents and invading the sewer system. It’s not yet classified as invasive, but concerns are rising.
In Boterdaelestraat in Ghent, a strange plant has been attracting attention for months. This plant isn’t local and has grown fast, becoming quite a sight. Its trunk looks odd and grainy, setting it apart from normal trees. The large leaves block sunlight from nearby homes, making it dark for the people living close by. It has been said that the biggest concern is that the plant’s roots are spreading into the sewer system, which could cause issues. As it keeps growing and now stands several meters tall, it’s no longer just interesting it’s becoming an invasive and potentially harmful plant that is taking over the area and affecting the daily lives of residents.
How an invasive Chinese tree is disrupting life in a Ghent neighborhood?
In Boterdaelestraat, a Dutch student is living in a house that is overshadowed by a fast-growing plant. She observes this plant from her window and explains that “a seed landed here and just kept growing.” This plant has changed her living situation, even on sunny days, her room stays dark because the big leaves block most of the sunlight. She has to use a desk lamp to see well, even when it should be bright outside. The thick leaves act like a natural curtain, making her room feel cramped and gloomy instead of bright and cheerfull.
Kenneth Bauters from the UGent Botanical Garden identifies the tree as an Anna Paulowna tree, or princess tree, which comes from China. It’s known for spreading easily because its seeds can settle in small spaces and take over areas. He mentioned that this tree can grow really big, up to 25 meters tall, and has pretty flowers and huge leaves that can get even bigger if the tree is cut down. It’s becoming more common in the region, but it’s not officially considered invasive in Europe yet. The tree can live for about 40 years, and the city is not responsible for the sewers, so they’ve asked Farys to check on it since they didn’t know about the tree before.
