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Bugweed

Bugweed (Solanum mauritianum) is a large shrub growing 2-4 metres high with spreading branches and large, velvety leaves. It has a somewhat pungent smell. Despite the unripe fruits being poisonous, many birds and some mammals like duiker and monkeys will feed on the ripe fruits. Seeds are dispersed widely in this manner. Bugweed should be removed from your garden the moment it is detected, as it is easier to control small shrublets before they grow too large.

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Chandelier plant

The chandelier plant is also known as the mother of millions. It is easily propagated through broken cuttings and seeds and therefore should never be dumped, but sealed inside a black plastic bag until the plant fragments are completely dead. Once established, this plant is difficult to remove as the roots embed themselves firmly under rocks and inside rock crevices. The plant breaks easily leaving the roots behind.

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Bloodberry Rivina

Rivina or bloodberry thrives in shaded forests and along rivers and streams where it can form dense thickets. All parts of the plant are poisonous therefore wild animals avoid eating it. Having few natural enemies, it grows rampantly at the expense of indigenous trees and shrubs.

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Balloon vine

Balloon vine is a prolific climber which smothers indigenous shrubs and trees. It clambers over trees and blocks out sunlight to indigenous species disrupting photosynthesis. This in turn weakens the underlying tree which may eventually die. The tangled network of vines makes this climber difficult to control.

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Australian myrtle

The Australian myrtle is a fairly large tree reaching a crown height of eight metres. It is widespread across the Western and Eastern Cape and invades forests. It has white, five-petalled flowers and produces grey, cup-shaped seed pods which turn grey.

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Asian kelp

Asian kelp (Undaria pinnatifida) is a popular food species in Asia. In Japan it is known as wakame and used in many different dishes. However, it is a highly invasive marine species which has established itself in parts of Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

It may cause displacement of native species. It can change the structure of ecosystems, especially in areas where indigenous seaweeds are absent. It is also said to have potential to become a problem for marine farms by increasing labour and harvesting costs due to fouling problems on fin fish cages, oyster racks, scallop bags and mussel ropes. Heavy fouling may also restrict water flow through cages.

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