Self-seeding plants
Have been doing some rough graphite rubbings of self-seeded plants in and around Beijing. It would be good to get some of these identified – some are offspring of huge ancient trees, while some are seeds on the wind landing and putting down roots where possible. It is quite likely many of these plants are classified as weeds here in Beijing, but one person’s weed is another person’s exotic plant. These plants will be fairly speedily removed during the vigorous sweeping that takes place across Beijing on a regular basis. These plants are another example of R-select species – R for Rapid. These species – animal, bacteria or plant – experience rapid growth, fast reproduction, short life, and tend to be undervalued by humans. The insects I have been looking at are also R-select species.
