Do you know our Invasive plant species in South Africa?

It's an exciting and refreshing vibe now that Spring is here.... always a season to look foward to!

It is always very tempting to work in our gardens and watch all the spring foilage start flourishing it gives one a great sense of accomplishment to actually see the benefits of hard work digging beds , pruning and pampering the new life in the garden when all the colours start to spring!

However I am always fascinated by which plants are actually classified as invasive as some are common in all our gardens and invasives are some times pretty to look at and sometimes quite a focal point in our own gardens!

It is estimated that there are approximately 27 000 indigenous species in South Africa and 9000 foreign plant species that have been introduced over the past few centuries . Of these 9000 exotic or alien introductions, 348 have been identified as bad ecologically damaging invader plants.

The existing law divides these plants up into three categories, however regulations passed under the Conservation of Agriculture Resources Act, 1983 (Act no 43) only identifies 198 of the worst invasive alient plants species and declared illegal weeds. Although gardeners are only obliged to remove and destroy category 1 plants, eco friendly gardens endeavouring to rid their gardens of any designated invader weeds.

Here are a few images to help identify those declared weeds in category 1:

• Bugweed, one of the worst invasives both in gardens and the country side. It is spread by various birds, buck and monkeys depositing its seeds after eating the fruits.
• Cats Claw Creeper .This invasive creeper flowers between September until February. An attempt is being made to control it with the release of a beetle that specifically lives off the leaves.
• Indian Shot - Canna. This is invading Stream banks and moist sites in the warmer parts of our country. The more showy hybrids that dont set seeds are permitted.
• Oleander - This Mediterranean bush with pink, white or red blooms with a single row of petals has spread in to water courses, particularly rocky ones in semi-arid mountain valleys. The double flowers forms which have seeds taht are sterile are permitted.

These are obviously just a couple that I highlighted but possibly often seen and not aware how invasive they are! So get to know them and pull them out and replace with indigenous alternatives!

For travellers who have a passion for naturally beautiful landscapes and gardens and enjoy to incorporate such places into their choice of getaways, African Chapter Tours recommends our Green Limpopo Destinations, found under our package section.

Enjoy country stays, fine dining and beautiful flora destinations with African Chapter Tours!