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LIFESTYLE

WEEDS

By Elize Malan

Purslane
n the grand scheme of nature, all plants Useful in the garden
are equal. Certain plants are declared • Tagetes minuta (tall Khaki weed):
I“weeds” because humans have decided The odd plant that germinates in your
that they compete with useful plants, and garden should be most welcome as it is
humans decide which are useful. an invaluable insect repellent. It is closely
related to the well-known Marigold
Negative impact annual. Shredded Khaki weed plants
• Water/nutrients allocated for garden mixed into a compost heap will get rid
plants or crops are used by weeds. of egg laying insects. Commercially it is
• Weeds harbour pests and diseases. grown to extract oil for the insecticide
• They produce a vast amount of seed or and perfume industry. Leaves and seeds
multiply fast in a vegetative way. can be used under dog blankets as an
• Alien invader weeds threaten organic flea deterrent.
biodiversity. • Amaranthus hybrids (Morogo,
misbredie, pigweed): A group of exotic
Understanding weeds weeds from America, closely related to
• Most weeds are annuals and preventing the ornamental Coxcomb and Celosia.
plants from producing seeds will Morogo (Tswana for vegetable), is one
contain the spread of weeds. of Africa’s traditional “leafy greens”
• This can be done by pulling up weeds eaten as spinach by many people.
but leaving the plants on the surface of Morogo leaves have a protein content
the soil. Nutrients will be returned and of up to 36%. The weeds have a deep
mulch created in your garden. If you are root system and the plant is well known
pressed for time, cut them down before for improving soil. It is used by organic
they seed and leave them where they farmers as a rotation crop. Mature plants
fall. are shredded and dug into the soil as a
• Where possible keep soil planted up; green fertiliser.
open soil allows for germination. • Portulaca olaraceae (Purslane): Can be
• Poor drainage and an exhausted soil found growing in any unshaded area,
will encourage germination, as this is thriving in hot, dry conditions. It will die
nature’s way of trying to correct the back at the first sign of cold. All parts are
imbalance. edible and it can be chopped raw into
salads or stews. Goes beautifully with
Khaki weed

26 INTRA MUROS APRIL 2020