Recognising invasive plants on the Dolphin Coast
The Courier will feature a series on invasive plant species so that locals will know how to identify them and why they are harmful to the natural balance
The Dolphin Coast is one of the most beautiful but fragile natural environments in South Africa, but it is under threat from invasive species.
The North Coast Courier will feature a series on invasive plant species so that locals will know how to identify them and why they are harmful to the natural balance.
Many ecosystems on the coast are threatened by the popular Queensland Umbrella Tree, or Schefflera actinophylla.
The Umbrella Tree is a popular plant in residential gardens and in its flowering season forms beautiful red flowers.
However, pretty flowers aside this tree has become a problem in KZN, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. It invades national parks, open bush land, undisturbed forests and reserves, causing harm to the fauna and flora of local ecosystems and in some cases completely killing indigenous plant life.
The tree spreads through dried fruits and seeds that float readily in water and have a high level of dormancy, meaning they can lie around for long periods before taking root. The bright red flowers also attract birds who carry the seeds miles in all directions, aggravating the spread of this problem plant.
Dolphin Coast Conservancy chairperson Di Jones told The Courier that these trees are becoming an ever larger problem locally.
“It is flowering at the moment, and people think it’s lovely – as I do. However, it is a terrible tree to have in your area because it seeds itself, springs up where one does not want it and kills off the indigenous trees.”
Jones urged homeowners to choose indigenous plants and trees for their garden rather than risk the damage that invasive species could cause.
“The conservancy is always willing to come and assist with ID of the plants if the homeowner is unsure of whether or not it is invasive.”
Contact Di on 083 612 0859.
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