Although pretty, pampas grass is illegal
The use of pampas grass has grown in popularity in recent years but these plants can literally take an eye out.
Over the past few years, pampas grass has become a very popular decoration at events. The fluffy plumes make for a magical setting. But did you know these plants are not allowed in your garden?
A resident from Krugersdorp North Steven Buys spoke to the News and explained that his neighbour has these plants in his garden. Although it is a small manageable bush, the damage it causes every summer can be seen.
Buys explained that when these plants are in bloom their seeds are blown all over. They land all over his yard but what is worse is that they stick to all manners of material, getting caught in the curtains, laundry hanging outside, the carpets and more. Getting rid of them is then a hard task.
“I previously had tenants complaining about this shedding and I informed the person responsible about this situation after which he cut the plumes down and the problem was solved.”
The tenants have, however, left and Buys is using his house for training. He said he could not leave the windows open because the seeds would get in. He has been living in this house for 65 years and has modified his property to be plant-free as he does not want to struggle with yard work. But still, he has to clean up because of the pampas grass.
The News asked councillor Mark Trump and Stephan du Toit from the Green Scorpions to respond to the issue of the plants as both of them were informed about this invasive plant.
Trump said these plants are called Cortadelia selloana and according to the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA), they are a schedule category 1B; invasive species. This means the plant is deemed environmentally irresponsible and illegal.
“After receiving initial reports from a concerned resident, I immediately informed the responsible department to act,” Trump explained.
He added that the CARA must be enforced and that the Mocale City Local Municipality’s Department of Integrated Environmental Management (DIEM) must act.
Category 1B invasive species are:
• A species which must be controlled
• Property owners and organs of the state must control the listed invasive species within their properties
• If an invasive Species Management Programme has been developed, a person must control the listed invasive species following such programme
• Authorised officials must be permitted to enter properties to monitor, assist with or implement the control of listed species
• Any Category 2 listed species (where permits are applicable) which fall outside of containment and control, revert to Category 1b and must be controlled
• Any Category 3 listed species which occur within a Protected Area or Riparian (wetland) revert to Category 1b and must be controlled
• The Minister may require any person to develop a Category 1b Control Plan for one or more Category 1b species occurring on a property
Trump explained that pampas is declared a category 1 weed in South Africa and is banned from sale and propagation.
“It may not be grown and must be removed. It was reported to the relevant structures, I first reported to the inspector on January 30 and escalated via email on May 29. After the DIEM had taken no action,” Trump concluded.
The issue with these plants is that the flower plumes have microscopic hooks which can even cause blindness if it gets into someone’s eyes.
No feedback was received from Du Toit to whom the issue has been reported numerous times.
