NEWS
Encroachment of Euryops floribundus in rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province , South Africa
Sive Tokozwayo
Current Address : Döhne Agricultural Research Institute , Private Bag X 15 , Stutterheim , 4930
Scientific name : Euryops floribundus Family name : Asteracea Local name : Lapesi
Euryops floribundus is a small multistemmed perennial shrub native to the Eastern Cape Province , South Africa . Euryops can grow up to 2.5 m height with a multi-stemmed growing behaviour . Euryops is characterised by fine leaves , dark green leaves and yellowish flowers . Euryops floribundus produces large quantities of small uncoated seeds which are easily dispersed by livestock , predators , birds , wind and water . Euryops floribundus it ’ s an evergreen shrub , mostly found in shallow soils , rocky , middle slopes ( heavily dense ), bottom slopes ( moderately dense ), flat slopes ( scattered ) and hardly grows at the crest of the mountains ( Figure 1 )
Distribution of Euryops floribundus in Eastern Cape
In Eastern Cape , Euryops floribundus is found in the east , north and south of Chris Hani District and west and north of Amathole District ( see Table 1 ).
Ecological impact of Euryops floribundus
Presence of Euryops floribundus in an ecosystem is associated with a suppressive effect ( i . e . allelophathy ). Plant allopathy is known as a biological phenomenon by which an organism produces one or more biochemicals which may influence the germination , growth , survival , and reproduction of other organisms . These biochemicals are known as allelochemicals and can have beneficial or detrimental effects on the target organisms and the community . Allopathic
Figure 1 . Infestation of Euryops floribundus between Lady Frere and Komani in the Eastern Cape Province .
Table 1 . In Eastern Cape , Euryops floribundus is found in the east , north and south of Chris Hani District and west and north of Amathole District .
District Local Municipality Town Chris Hani Sakhisiwe Cala Chris Hani Emalahleni Dordrecht & Lady free Chris Hani Enoch Mgijima Komani , Molteno & Whittlesea Chris Hani Ntsika Yethu Cofimvaba Amathole Amahlathi Cathcart Amathole Raymond Mhlaba Seymour
interaction may influence species distribution , nutrient availability , soil pH and species diversity within the ecosystem .
In heavily encroached areas , Euryops floribundus outcompetes the grass layer for sunlight and soil resources ( i . e . nutrients and water ). This results in a land degradation and complete loss of rangeland productivity and reduction of livestock carrying capacity ( Figure 3 and 4 ). Euryops floribundus also
Grassroots Vol 23 No 2 July 2023 18