In the Highway region, we are blessed with abundant biodiversity, but we’re cursed with abundant invasive alien plants (IAP’s) too!
By Andrea Abbott
IAP’s are non-indigenous plant species that have been introduced to an area where conditions (such as a favourable climate and the absence of attendant predators, parasites and diseases to keep the plants in check) are conducive to their rapid spread.
One famous example you may know is the highly flammable Chromolaena odorata (Triffid weed) that produces over a million wind-dispersed seeds per plant – almost every one germinating successfully.
Left uncontrolled, IAP’s compete aggressively with indigenous species, ultimately replacing them and impacting catastrophically on ecosystems. The repercussions are literally life-threatening as all life depends on intact ecosystems. Legislation outlaws hundreds of species of invasive plants but it is rarely enforced, and so the invasion continues unhindered.
You might be surprised to learn that many a well-tended garden is home to some of the worst offenders.
In an effort to stem the tide, conservancies everywhere are waging war against the dangerous intruders, but if the battle is to be won, every property owner will have to eradicate IAP’s from their land.
Where to begin though? You could start by enrolling your gardener in the one-day Basic Introduction to IAP’s Course run jointly by Kloof Conservancy and The School of Garden Design.
Conducted in isiZulu, the course equips gardeners to identify the most common IAP’s in the Kloof area and to understand why they’re such a threat to biodiversity. The most practical eradication methods are demonstrated and this includes the proper use of common herbicides.
In addition to the practical course work, attendees receive comprehensive course notes in isiZulu and English, the WESSA handbook: Invasive Alien Plants in KZN, Management and Control (worth R50), a certificate of attendance, and a breakfast snack and lunch. All for just R300.
With property values also negatively impacted on by IAP’s it makes good sense to enrol your gardener!
Dates for 2013 are: 21 February; 6 June; 5 September and 7 November.
The course runs from 8am to 3.30pm at the Kloof and Highway SPCA. Numbers are limited so book soon to avoid dissappointment.
E-mail your gardener’s name and your telephone number to info@kloofconservancy.org.za . A member of the conservancy will contact you in reply.
2 Comments
Perhaps the municipality needs to go on this course too – On the onramp to the M13E from Everton bridge there are about 10 large Pampas Grass growing, this is also a category 1 invader and is in plain sight!!
The patch of land referred to by Mike actually belongs to Transnet as it is part of the railway reserve and is not municipal land. Kloof Conservancy manages the M13 Verges Project which includes the eradication of alien plants along the M13 and we are in discussions with Transnet to try to get them to ensure that the rail reserve is free of IAP’s.