GEORGE NEWS - Although I have in recent weeks listed most of the major problem plants specific to our area, I feel I need to bring a few more to your attention.
This South America succulent vine / creeper smothers trees in our natural forests and tree branches break under its weight. The evergreen climber has fleshy rhizomes, bright green heart-shaped leaves. It produces masses of creamy coloured flowers on long racemes, creating quite a show. New plants grow from fragments broken off and are transported by animals, human or water.
The Elderberry used to be an ornamental shrub planted in many a garden. Although it has medicinal value it has now become a big problem in forest areas with birds spreading the edible berries. A multi stemmed shrub with light green, pinnate leaves and large, flat clusters of creamy-white in late spring to midsummer. They stand out in the indigenous landscape.
A tufted, evergreen fern growing up to 1m tall. Extensive colonies are formed, which invades natural forest areas and along waterways. This is also an old garden favourite which has now become a big problem plant.
Sword fern
An erect to sprawling thorny rambler growing up to 2m high with deeply ridged stems. Impenetrable patches invade our natural forests and it grows at an amazing speed. White flowers are followed by edible fruits insSummer.
Brazilian pepper tree - Schinus terebinthifolius
This small evergreen tree growing has wide-spreading, horizontal branches. The tree is very hardy and tolerates salty air. Small creamy flowers appear from spring to summer. Bright red berries are spread by birds. The tree invades our indigenous forests and waterways. The sap is a skin irritant and affects the respiratory tract.
Californian privet - Ligustrum ovalifolium (and most other species)
This deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub was planted as an ornamental shrub in home gardens as well as for hedging. It has dark green leaves and some varieties are variegated or yellow. White, heavily scented flowers appear from early spring to late summer tiny black berries. The leaves and fruit are poisonous to humans and certain animals. Berries are spread by birds.
Mulberry – Morus alba
This large, deciduous tree has a round canopy with bright green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Juicy red fruit turn black when ripe and are enjoyed by humans and birds. This tree invades savanna, grasslands, roadsides, river banks and urban open spaces.
Cotoneaster – Cotoneaster spp
Medium sized shrub with arching branches. Clusters of white flowers are followed by bright red berries in summer. This showy plant was planted as an ornamental hedging plant and has become an invasive nightmare with berries spread by birds. It invades grasslands, forest margins, kloofs, river banks and rocky outcrops.
Please go to www.invasives.org.za for up to date lists of invasive plants and animals in South Africa.
BY: TARITA POLLICUTTE
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