UEA International Student Ambassadors

The harlequin ladybird was introduced to Europe from Eastern Asia to control pests such as aphids, but has grown in population number so greatly that it is posing pressure on native species and could lead to their demise. Because of this, methods to reduce their numbers are being increasingly researched and resorted to - insecticides are the most successful but their potential harm to other insect species is great too. Harlequin ladybird -  Harmonia axyridis This harlequin ladybird ran across my notebook in the Unio Cafe on the UEA campus. As I reached to pick it up it released a light brown liquid over my fingers with a very unpleasant smell - urine? I later found out it is actually a chemical it uses in defense and stores and releases it from the hemolymph. Next time you pick up a ladybird you can safely declare this and dispense with the urine misconception! Regards, Elleni - East African Student Ambassador

The Giant Polypore is a common bracket fungus that can grow rather large. I stumbled across one in the UEA forest which was easily 2ft across! It is not known to be particularly tasty and is often confused with the more palatable Hen of the Woods bracket, which looks rather similar. However, I would be curious to harvest a little and try a few different recipes.. There is a lot of it after all! They often grow at the foot of large trees, commonly the beech tree, and can digest the cellulose and lignin in the cells, causing potential weaknesses in the structure and stability of the tree. Regards, Elleni - East African Student Ambassador

This is Hawk's Beard, a species of  Crepis.  In Chinese folklore and medicine a plant of the same Tribe ( Cichorieae ) as the  Crepis  called the  Youngia japonica  was used to cure illnesses such as diarrhoea and colds. Recently, the antiviral compounds of  Y. japonica  have been proven. I feel with every advancement in technology we take a step further away from the nature around us, isolating ourselves from what we depend on. Hopefully discoveries like this will lead to the realisation of the importance and potential uses of what is around us. Crepis,  now that I know what it looks like, litters the ground of the UEA campus. It too could possibly hold antiviral compounds  that can be utilised through as simple methods as home brews of tea. Next time you are feeling under the weather, do a simple internet search about what is in your garden. It could save you a hefty prescription fee! Also, notice how diverse t...