A cry for control of wattles

The most despised alien tree in South Africa is the wattle.

“We should not keep a single wattle alive,” believes DA councillor Lynn Pannall who has noticed an explosion of wattle growth in Mogale City.

“It is the most destructive alien species in our country. It has very little merit. Even the Blue Gum, which admittedly absorbs more water, has merit and should not be eradicated totally as certain raptors nest in them and they stimulate bees and the honey industry.”

The breathtaking beauty of the area, with protea-covered ridges, mountains, kloofs or ravines and species of magnificent indigenous flora, is being threatened by rapidly expanding wattles.

“Our indigenous trees have deep roots but those of the wattle expand aggressively and destabilise the top soil, causing soil erosion and total ecological degradation. They outcompete all our natural flora and are a total menace. Even their absorption of carbon dioxide and release of oxygen are insignificant.

“The introduction into South Africa of wattles from Australia in the past century for their tannin in the leather industry has left a sad legacy for our generation – we are left with the imperative to eradicate this highly aggressive alien invader.”

Fortunately there is a solution and if the programme is implemented correctly it holds a good chance of success.

Pannall said the Work For Water Programme has to follow a certain formula. The mother trees are destroyed by Work for Water teams after which fire is applied to stimulate the growth of the seeds. Each mother tree produces 40 000 seeds. Then a specific herbicide is applied in spring to destroy the young plants. This is then repeated at the same time for the next two years and total eradication is possible. Locally this programme has achieved total eradication successfully of all wattles in Chamdor.

“The wattle is not indestructible – we must step up our efforts to eradicate it,” Pannall urged.

She has requested the council’s Department of Integrated Environment to secure the services of the WWP to conduct a Wattle Eradication Programme in Ward 21.

“Areas such as ravines and even abandoned private stands will be targeted. Besides the negative impact on the environment, crime flourishes in areas overgrown by this alien plant, providing shelter for criminals and their booty.”

Pannall conceded that an informal wattle manufacturing industry has sprung up. She fully supports job creation and hopes it will be managed and form part of the programme to control wattles.

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