Global warming could be bad news for London, with a greater risk of flooding and threats to our World Heritage sites, including the Tower of London. If you’re a glass half-full person, though, an increased range of flora might be some conciliation.

According to the BBC, exotic plant species are thriving in London. Olives, palm trees, gingko, Chinese privets, false acacias; all can be found in the squares and parks of the capital.

Oddly, this taste for the semi-tropical does not extend to Heathrow – gateway to exotic destinations. Landscapers have just finished planting 40 London plane trees outside the new Terminal 5 building. Plane trees are tolerant to pollution, and are common along major roads. They should cope well inside one of the world’s busiest airports.

It’s a pity they didn’t plant palms though – surely more welcoming to returning holiday-makers?

Image taken from Ikaros’s Flickr photostream, under a Creative Commons license.