Invasive Species

Eupatorium macrocephalum
‍
Common Name:
Pompom Weed

Origin: South America

Perennial. Pink flowerheads surrounded by purple bracts appear from December to March. It causes serious degradation of the veld, lowering the biodiversity and reducing the grazing capacity by being unpalatable to large herbivores.

Solanum mauritianum

Common Name:
Bug Weed

Origin: South America

All parts of the plant are toxic to humans, especially the green berries. The fine hairs on the leaves can be an irritant. Dense stands that inhibit the growth of other species through overcrowding and shading.

Nicotiana glaucoma

Common Name:
Wild Tobacco‍

Origin: South America

Unpalatable and poisonous to domestic and wild animals. Competes with pioneering indigenous species. Can form dense and extensive stands along watercourses after flooding; this is of particular concern in conservation areas.

Argemone ochroleuca subsp. ochroleuca

Common Name: White-flowered Mexican poppy

Origin: Mexico

Seeds and parts of the plant are poisonous. Prolific in disturbed sites and competes with agricultural crops and indigenous species. Contaminates crop seed and the spiny fruits and leaf tips can adhere to the wool of sheep.

Crotalaria agatiflora

Common Name: Canary bird bush

Origin: Tanzania & Kenya

It threatens watercourses in grassland and savanna biomes and is potentially invasive on forest margins and also occupying cleared grassy areas.

Plantago lanceolata

Common Name: Ribwort

Origin: Eurasia

Invades grassland areas. It is common near roadsides.

Coreopsis lanceolata

Common Name: Tickseed

Origin: South America

Clump-forming perennial herb with bright yellow flowers. Competes with and replaces indigenous species. Poisonous to livestock. Spread by seeds, roots and birds

Araujia sericifera

Common Name:
Moth Catcher

Origin: South America

This sap is poisonous and causes dermatitis or a burning sensation. Smothers other vegetation.

Cardiospermum grandiflorum

Common Name:
Balloon Vine

Origin: South America

Perennial climber. Stems covered with bristly hairs. White or yellow flowers. Inflated fruit capsules. Overtops and smothers indigenous species, including large trees.

Datura stramonium and innoxia

Common Name: "Olieboom" Common Thorn Apple

Origin: Tropical America

Seeds are poisonous. Competes with crops. Maize farmers have to be careful as to not allow seeds to spread when harvesting.