Page 18 - FWG Issue 2 March 2025

Gardening

INVASIVE PLANTS

nvasive plants are a hot topic
these days, impacting ecosystems,
economies, and even our daily lives.
ISome plants are pervasive across
various regions, while others are more
localised. Interestingly, a few invasive
plants have significant economic
value or potential, which necessitates
a careful approach to their removal.
While some can be easily pulled out by
hand, others demand costly chemical
treatments to manage. Let’s dive
into the fascinating world of invasive
plants that are making their mark in
South Africa, from the Highveld to the
coastlines.

Lantana camara:
The Global Menace
Lantana camara is a notorious
invader found worldwide and ranks
among the top ten worst weeds
globally. Birds love their seed berries, Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/lantana-flowers-flora-nature-7931248/
aiding in its widespread distribution.
Lantana camara releases allelopathic
chemicals into the soil, stifling the
growth of native plants and swiftly
taking over landscapes. The best way
to control L.camara is by cutting the
plants to ground level and spraying
the regrowth with herbicides. In
agricultural areas, dense thickets are
tackled using chain flail implements on
bulldozers, followed by sowing grass
seeds to prevent regrowth.

Cestrum laevigatum:
The Highveld’s Growing Pest
Rapidly spreading throughout the
Highveld, Cestrum laevigatum has
become a significant nuisance in
many parts of southern Africa. Birds
feast on their blackberries, aiding
their proliferation. Effective removal
involves cutting the plant and treating
the regrowth with herbicides. If not
handled correctly, the plant can
spread through root suckers, making
thorough treatment essential.

Ailanthus altissima:
The Misleading “Tree of Heaven”
Despite its heavenly name, Ailanthus
altissima is a troublesome invader,
thriving in harsh conditions where few
other plants can survive. Known for its
unpleasant smell and the sap that can
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/mexican-hammer-bush-cestrum-elegans-10405/

Fourways Gardens • 16 • March 2025