South Georgia has a unique and fragile ecosystem. Through human intervention, the island has been impacted by the introduction of non-native species, including dandelions.
Dandelions, likely introduced unintentionally through Norwegian soil placed on whalers’ graves, have become a common sight on South Georgia. They are just one example of the 76 introduced plant species that have been recorded on the island over the years.
According to the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI), remaining 41 of these introduced species pose a significant threat to the island’s native biodiversity. Many of these plants have spread to areas of human disturbance, such as former whaling stations, while others such as blue meadow grass and mouse-ear chickweed have naturalised over much of the island.
The GSGSSI is committed to restoring South Georgia’s native flora through its Non-Native Plant Management Strategy. Since 2016, the government has been working to eradicate 33 of the 41 introduced species . This ongoing effort is crucial to safeguarding the island’s biodiversity and preserving its natural beauty for future generations.
Seeds were often imported with fodder for sheep, poultry and other domestic animals. Throughout the 20th century a number of plants were grown for food or decoration, such as tomatoes and daffodils, in greenhouses, conservatories and on window ledges in the whaling stations and the community at King Edward Point. None became naturalised and the growing of alien plants is now banned.