The main impacts of this species on ecosystems pass through the domain of all other undergrowth. This plant, in addition to forming extensive carpets that hinder or prevent the development of native plants, increases the acidity of the soil and modifies the morphology of the root system of some plants.

 

The control of this species is being carried out in the areas of restoration of the dune ecosystem, using the manual control method.

 

The method of manual control consists of grubbing up the plants, which are deposited on high-strength plastics, where they are allowed to dry, being more easily transported to more appropriate places, not causing new outbreaks of invasion.

 

The application of this methodology was discussed and validated in the scope of the meetings of the Advisory Board (Advisory Board), which includes people with a high international reputation in this area, having already been applied, in the scope of other control projects of this species on the island. of Madeira, with a great success rate.

 

This methodology will be applied throughout the LIFE DUNAS project period, whenever necessary. The free areas of this species will be planted with indigenous species to restore the most appropriate dune habitat, promote the fixation of sand in the dune, thus increasing the island's natural protection from climate change.