THEY proved catastrophic during the deadly DANA storms in Valencia last year.
As they were uprooted from river beds and dragged downstream, they formed a wall of doom that carried hundreds of people to their deaths, many of them inside their cars, while destroying bridges and homes.
These are ‘cañas’, an ‘exotic’, invasive reed that is once again in the news after making a fresh appearance on the Costa del Sol.
An incredible 2,700 tonnes worth of the reeds have been removed from beaches in the region so far this year – a 700-tonne increase on last year, according to the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol.
Climate change expert from Malaga University Enrique Salvo told Malaga Hoy how the plant ‘has established itself in rivers, streams, and gullies, competing with native species such as tamarisks and oleanders, which it displaces.’
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He said they multiply and re-sprout repeatedly when cut, making their removal difficult.
The cane is from the grass family and can grow as tall as six metres, with a life span of more than a year.
Its root is thick, long and woody, allowing its hardened stems to grow to up to 2cm in diameter. Meanwhile, their leaves have sharp, saw-like edges.
They are typically found in waterlogged areas, including the banks of rivers or lakes and in ravines, plus beach coves and wetlands.
Malaga’s Provincial Council has branded the plant ‘very competitive’ for its ability to wipe out other native species by taking up all the soil.
Authorities across the Costa del Sol are racing to remove the reeds from beaches in the run up to Easter holiday season.
