Invasive Species South Africa - Protecting Biodiversity from Invasion - Ant tree

German wasp

Vespula germanica

Coral bush

Ardisia crenata

Purple loosestrife

Lythrum salicaria

Pom pom weed

Campuloclinium macrocephalum

Canarybird bush

Crotalaria agatiflora

Peanut butter cassia

Senna didymobotrya

Rubber vine

Cryptostegia grandiflora

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Ant tree

Triplaris americana

Common name:

Ant tree

Scientific name:

Triplaris americana (Polygonaceae)

Alternative common names:

Triplaris, Indian almond (English); triplaris (Afrikaans)

This tree grows 8-10m high with a straight, smooth, grey trunk with pyramidal crown. Leaves are bright green and smooth, or brownish-velvety beneath along the midrib and veins. Small male and female flowers on separate trees from April to May in large clusters, along densely greyish-yellow, light brown hairy axes. Female flowers red. Shiny brown fruits. Poisonous leaves.

Additional Info

Where does this species come from?
Central and South America.
What is its invasive status in South Africa?
CARA 2002 – Category 1 NEMBA – Category 1a
Where in South Africa is it a problem?
KwaZulu-Natal.
How does it spread?
Seed dispersal.
Why is it a problem?
Competes with and has the potential to replace indigenous species. The leaves are also poisonous.
What does it look like?
General description: This tree grows up to 8-10m and has a straight trunk with smooth, grey bark. Leaves: Leaves are bright green and smooth, or brownish-velvety beneath along the midrib and veins. Flowers: Small male and female flowers on separate trees from April to May in large clusters, along densely greyish-yellow, light brown hairy axes. Female flowers are red. Fruit/seeds: Shiny brown, sharply three-angled seeds, held inside the fruiting perianth, 30-50mm long, with brown hairy base and three pinkish-red wings.
Does the plant have any uses?
Planted as an ornament.

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