INVASIVE PLANTS
Gauteng’s worst
T
he SA Nursery
Association (Sana) has
declared the following
plants to be the worst
invasive plants in South
Africa: Pompom weed, Water
hyacinth, Famine weed,
Lantana camara and
Bugweed.
Sadly, Gauteng plays host to
all of them except Famine
weed, which is mostly a
problem in Kwa Zulu Natal.
However, closer to home, the
association lists the following
as the worst invaders in
Gauteng itself. They are all
Category 1b invader plants.
K Chandelier-plant
(Bryophyllum delagoense),
also known as Mother-of-
Millions . An erect, hairless
succulent perennial growing
1,2m high with grey-green,
mottled leaves often having
darker green to reddish spots.
Flowers are pale orange to
deep magenta appearing
from June to July on the end
of an erect stalk. Why it is a
problem for smallholders is
that it is very poisonous to
humans and animals,
according to Invasive Species
South Africa.
K Moth catcher (Araujia
Chandelier-plant (Bryophyllum delagoense)
15
www.sasmallholder.co.za
Moth catcher (Araujia serifera)
serifera) – A vigorous climber
with milky sap growing to 5m
or higher. Leaves are dark
Continued on page 17