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Keep ground clear of leaf and bark litter. Studies have shown that leaf and twig litter, especially twigs of pencil thickness, play an important role in initiating the combustion of buildings, often after the main fire front has passed through. Although no plant is fireproof, many plants have features that minimise the extent to which they contribute to the spread of veld fires. Well-watered plants will not burn as readily as those that are not well maintained. Landscaping with fire retardant plants or plants that re-sprout after a fire is part of an overall fire defence plan. Choose from a range of firewise plants, many of which are indigenous. Plants with fleshy, moistureretaining leaves and plants with underground roots and tubers can survive fires. Citrus, coprosma, ice plants, sedum, echeveria and kalanchoe, with their high moisture content, burn more slowly. The leaves, stems or roots of succulents have been adapted to store nutrients and water. Aloes have a low flammability because of their fleshy leaves. Old aloe leaves should be removed to lessen the risk of fire. Three trailing plants that are useful for covering soil are Othonna capensis with tiny yellow flowers, Convolvulus sabatius and Aptenia cordifolia with fleshy bright green leaves and small red flowers. Some plants grow in such a way that they cover the soil. Agapanthus do this well, and because of their strong root system, help prevent erosion by binding soil. Other bulbs to use are Tulbaghia and watsonia. According to biodiversity and plant expert Kay Montgomery, Bergenia cordifolia isamuch under-rated plant. It has large evergreen, leathery leaves that hug the ground and attractive pink flowers. For hedge plant choose from Krantz aloe, tick berry( Chrysanthemoides
monilifera), dune crowberry( Searsia crenata) and camphor bush( Tarchonanthus camphoratus). A useful tree for the perimeter is the Halleria lucida( tree fuchsia) which is quick growing with pretty flowers and glossy bright leaves. You can also investigate Cape holly( Ilex mitis), rooiels( Cunonia capensis) if you have a shady spot near water and Cape beech( Rapanaea melanophloeos).
FIRE WATCH
facebook. com / gautengsmallholder Cape holly( Ilex mitis)
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