Alien Invader Plants
Izihlahla Zokufika Ezhlaselayo
Uitheemse Probleem Plante

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CONTROL: 
Manual: Eradication is possible but requires repeated work at site. Uprooting causes disturbance, which stimulates seeds to germinate.  If seedlings pulled out, press down soil and cover site with leaves.
Chemical: Cut Stump best method: use Chopper® 200ml /10l water.  Foliar spray: use Garlon® 4 40ml or Roundup®, etc 100ml or Muster® 100ml/10l water.
Biocontrol: Testing of insects in progress.

DESCRIPTION: Triangular, pointed leaves with three conspicuous veins; leaves smell strongly of turpentine or paraffin when crushed; tufted mauve to whitish flowers (A single flower) in clusters; perennial shrub but a scrambler when it grows among trees.  Often form dense thickets.  Flowering time: June, July and August.

ORIGIN: Originates from a wide area of South, Central and North America and the Caribbean.  The exact origin of Chromolaena in South Africa is unknown. Reported to have been introduced into KZN in the 1940's through Durban harbour.

WHERE FOUND/PROBLEMS CAUSED: Along the KZN coast below 1000 m, but is particularly invasive below 600 m.  Thrives where vegetation has been disturbed or neglected.  Spread restricted by frost; it survives frost but will not flower.  Competes with and replaces indigenous vegetation; hinders operations in plantations causing increased production costs of timber; increases management costs in nature reserves; forms solid unsightly stands.  Will even invade undisturbed areas and spreads virulently.

DID YOU KNOW: As many as 1,3 million wind-dispersed seeds are produced per plant.  Because it is highly inflammable, even when green, it allows grass fires to penetrate deep into forests and plantations.

This page was last edited on 23 April, 2006