The phenomena investigated is the new relationship generated along the growth of the Rhododendron. These relationships are artificially created (the plant is non native to UK) by a swift environmental change, introducing a new invasive element.
The Rhododendron is a platform of interaction between different species; creating a invasive-native relationship.
The Rhododendron was reintroduced in the UK in 1768 as a trophy, being the national plant of Nepal. The growth rate of the plant is extremely fast and efficient.
The areas of investigation are chosen according to their potential of a natural expansion of the plant: The hedge creating a boundary around Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park, Kenwood House, Isabella gardens and new parks such as Hyde park.
The Rhododendron is considered an invader, taking over the native plants and creating a toxic environment. The leaves are coated with poisonous wax making them inedible and the honey produced from the flower is poisonous if eaten, the illness being called ‘mad honey disease’.
Within this toxic environment new relationships are formed between invaders, aliens and natives.
The existing users of the plant are suffocated: the dormouse (an endangered native UK species) is forced to leave its habitat and the place around the roots of the plant is taken by the woodland mice.
The upper levels of the plants are occupied by Dunnocks, an invasive bird species which lays its eggs in existing nests. Cuckoos are the victims of this behavior as their nests are suffocated by the Dunnocks.
Therefore, the plant can act as a weapon that affects not only the existing species of fauna but also humans.
Creative Archipelago 