A Window Onto Nature's World - Achieving Natural Harmony, Remove The Alien Menace

Recent, welcome Autumn rains continue to enhance rooting and lush growth of our indigenous trees and shrubs to reduce erosion. Rapid and spreading coverage of open soil has been achieved with Coastal species including Creeping Foxglove, the Spur flower family in semi shade, then Trailing Gazanias with selected succulents in full sun. Where the incursion of the Alien and Invasive species have been allowed to proliferate, this shows not only neglect, but lack of compliance with the NEMBA Regulations effective from 01/10/2014, thus posing a critical threat to Estates, Townships, Parks and Gardens, Roadways, Railway lines, vital agricultural land together with "Open" spaces and Conservation Zones.

It is important to grasp that Alien and Invasive Plants fall into specific categories and claim their origins from countries across the World OUTSIDE South Africa. NEMBA lists 399 Trees, shrubs, ground covers, grasses, succulents and aquatic species in specific categories which require removal and eradication. The spread of the Alien maybe wind borne, for example

Triffid Weed (Chromolaena odorata) with tiny white parasols carrying seed rapidly into neighbouring properties, Nature Reserves and Homelands. Lantana camara with pretty pink and orange rosettes bearing berries for small birds who then drop the seeds. Simultaneously, this hedgerow abundance creates an imbalance in the small bird population, often with no hawk or eagle in sight. It is a sad sight for the prominent D'MOSS sign at Giba Gorge to be recorded by passing cyclists, festooned with Pink Lantana.

To enable positive Plant Removal Action a brief list of Common Alien species is listed: - Triffid Weed (Chromolaena odorata) - white heads flowering in June, - Remove before seeding. Lantana (Lantana camara) - pink or orange heads with small black berries. Remove regularly. Castor Oil Bush (Ricinus communis), large toothed leaves, burrs in bracts, - Remove when young. Bugweed (Solanum mauritianum), tall woody shrub, grey capsules, - Remove before seeding.

Ink Berry (Cestrum laevigatum), bushy shrub, black berries in clusters - Remove when flowering. Brazilian Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), roadsides, compound leaf - Remove with Roots Tree Daisy (Montanoe hibisifolia), Roadsides, white flower clusters, - Remove when young.

Blue Weed (Ageratum houstonianum), widespread in disturbed areas, - Remove when flowering. Black Jacks (Bides pilosa), widespread in disturbed areas, hooked burrs. On-going removal. Yellow Widelia (Widelia trilobata), low growing, spreading with yellow daisy. Remove with roots. For effective Removal of Alien species the appropriate methodology must be adopted. Spraying is not the best option as this may be indiscriminate with wind-drift causing damage or elimination of beneficial, nearby indigenous vegetation. "Slashing back" the visible growth is a half measure, giving an alarm warning to the Plant - "I am under attack and must put down even stronger roots!".

All Alien and Invasive species MUST ALWAYS BE REMOVED WITH THE ROOTS.

Significant, and tenacious Aliens with highly invasive habit include Barbados Gooseberry (Pereskia aculata) with vicious thorns, and then Famine Weed which is spreading southwards at random.

A "specialist" Procedure is necessary to remove Pereskia with due care, and avoid re-growth. All bags with Pereskia content must be burnt. Famine Weed burns the skin, demanding careful methodology and meticulous removal. Where Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotis) has invaded Aquatic Habitats including Rivers, Lakes and Dams, a Community Approach is beneficial to avoid re-infestation. Where the Water Lettuce arises without on-going control it will add to the Volume and Weight of Flood Water at times of "Deluge" increasing the Risks of Erosion and "Collapse" potential.

Assessment of an Extensive Alien Invasion requires a "Specialist" and Qualified Approach for the Removal Procedure, combined with a Holistic Approach for an Indigenous Restoration Program. Removal of the Mexican Sunflower now evident in abundant swathes along our highways, is an example where selection of our indigenous trees and plants will increase slope stability, reduce Fire Hazard, and increase natural ambience for residents and Tourism. A dynamic approach offers job opportunity, and National Pride in the Restoration of our unique Natural Heritage