Invasive plants threaten environment, health, report says

More than 500 alien species of plants have been introduced to China, threatening people's health and the environment, a study said.

The study, conducted by eight institutions, including Shanghai Chenshan Plant Science Research Center and Beijing Normal University, said that among the alien plants, 34 species are known to be severely harmful.

"With the rapid growth of world trade and fast development of China's economy, the alien species invasion poses risks to the country," said Chen Xiaoya, head of the Shanghai Chenshan Plant Science Research Center.