Are species introduced to England and Wales by the Romans still found near Roman settlements?

Question

Anecdotally, it seems as though species of fauna and flora introduced to England and Wales during the Roman occupation are still more likely to be found near Roman settlements. Obviously, some introduced species, such as the rabbit, are now extremely widespread. But, for example Alexanders was introduced as a food plant, and still grows in profusion around Richborough Castle, the former Roman fort of Rutupiae. I have only ever seen the edible Roman snail in England in the grounds of a former Roman villa.

Has anyone studied this to see if there's actually a statistically significant correlation, 1,600 years on?

Answer 1

There is an important probability that the flowers and other vegetables that were introduced by the Romans spread in the culture of the local inhabitants, after the end of the Roman era/occupation.

Thus, it is likely that if some ancient Roman settlements have a large concentration of these species, some other places that appeared after the Roman era might present concentrations of these species.

You should also consider that some species are likely to widespread in the territories, and the relief (mountains, rivers) will be the only obstacles to retain them in the area of former Roman settlements.