Friends of Kloofendal (FroK) volunteers stepped up to the plate this past holiday season, making great strides against alien invasive plants (AIPs) at the Kloofendal Nature Reserve.

According to FroK co-founder and one of the foremost local authorities on invasive plant species, Karin Spottiswoode, their small but expanding team of dedicated volunteers spent much of their festive season ensuring invasive species get removed before sprouting seed and spreading.

“With all the recent rain, a lot of invasive plants are sprouting. They are much easier to remove when they are young and when the ground is still soft from the rain.”

Karin adds that some of the plants also tend to grow underneath other bushes.

“They flower at this time of year, making them much easier to spot and remove,” she says.

FroK has been at work clearing the reserve of AIPs for years, having largely won the battle against trees like Blackwood, Black Wattle, Pine and Bugweed.

The focus now shifted toward smaller species like Forget-me-nots, Pompoms, Inkberry, and Prickly Solanum.

“It is a constant battle,” adds Dr Steve Spottiswoode. “Most of these plants are inedible for our local wildlife. Some of them are very toxic to the animals.

The cutting down of all the trees and shrubs below powerlines by City Power last year, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s (JCPZ) controlled burning in August, as well as the good rain, are all contributors to the spread of these plants.

“While the latter two factors are good for the veld, it is important to ensure that the opportunistic AIPs are removed to reach our goal of reversing bush encroachment, thereby stimulating the growth of grasses, which stimulates the capacity of the veld to support wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, and insects.

“Without fire making way for new grass to sprout, the dead grass builds up over the years. This causes a layer of dead, dry grass to build up, inhibiting new grass from breaking through.

“Trees then take over, and the shade stops grasses from growing. Most grasses need sunshine.

“Bush encroachment is a big problem in Kloofendal and difficult to reverse.”

Karin adds, “The weeding team works Monday and Wednesday mornings for two to three hours when everything is fresh, and there is a good chance of seeing some animals.”

Anyone interested in joining the team can contact Karin on 079 693 5608.