Invasive Alien Plants

Invasive plant species are those plant species that have been introduced into an area outside their normal distribution (South Africa), either by accident (unintentional) or on purpose (intentional) and have colonised or invaded their new home, threatening biological diversity, ecosystems, habitats and human wellbeing.   

Increased human and plant mobility has contributed significantly to the introduction of exotic plants into South Africa. These alien and invasive plants pose a severe threat to plant and animal diversity, water use and ecosystem integrity. The spread of these plant species (both intentionally and unintentionally) is a good example of the lack of understanding of ecosystem processes that has been a major cause of environmental degradation. 

Sensitive and vulnerable, highly dynamic or stressed ecosystems such as coastal shores, estuaries, wetlands, grasslands and open savannah require specific attention in environmental management and planning procedures, especially where they are subjected to significant human resource usage and development pressures. 

Types of alien invasive plants found in Johannesburg

Invasive species are controlled by the National Environmental Management; Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act no. 10 of 2004) – Alien and Invasive Species (AIS) Regulations which became law on 1 October 2014.

Invasive species are divided into four categories:

Category 1a: Invasive species which must be combated and eradicated. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.

Category 1b: Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.

Category 2: Invasive species or species deemed to be potentially invasive, in that a permit is required to carry out restricted activity. Category 2 species include commercially important species such as pine, wattle and gum trees. Plants in riparian areas are Cat 1b.

Category 3: Invasive species which may remain in prescribed areas or provinces. Further planting, propagation or trade is however prohibited. Plants in riparian areas are Cat 1b.  

 

No.

Species

Common Name

Category

Legal Status

1

Acacia Dealbata

Silver Wattle

1b plants in riparian areas

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed.

2

Acacia Mearnsii

Black Wattle

1b plants in riparian areas

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

3

Acacia Melanoxylon

Australian Blackwood

2

: Invasive species or species deemed to be potentially invasive, in that a permit is required to carry out restricted activity

4

Araujia Sericifera

Moth Catcher

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

5

Arundo Donax

Giant reed, Spanish reed

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

6

Campuloclinium Macrocephalum

Pompom Weed

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

7

Cereus Hexagonus

Queen of the Night

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

8

Cereus Hildmannianus

Queen of the Night

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

9

Cereus Jamacaru

Queen of the Night

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

10

Cestrum Laevigatum

Inkberry

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

11

Cortaderia Jubata

Pampas Grass

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

12

Cortaderia Selloana

Pampas Grass

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

13

Datura Ferox

Large Thorn Apple

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

14

Datura Stramonium

Common Thorn Apple

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

15

Eichhornia Crassipes

Water Hyacinth

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

16

Eucalyptus Grandis

Saligna Gum

1b riparian areas, protected areas, Listed Ecosystem

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

17

Ipomoea Alba

Moonflower

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

18

Iris Pseudacorus

Yellow Flag

1a

Invasive species which must be combated and eradicated

19

Lantana

Lantana, Tickberry, Cherry Pie

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

20

Melia Azedarach

Seringa

1b

3 in urban areas

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

21

Nymphaea Mexicana

Yellow Water Lilies

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

22

Opuntia Microdasys

Yellow Bunny-Ears, Teddy-Bear Cactus

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

23

Pennisetum Clandestinum

Kikuyu Grass

1b in protected areas and wetlands

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

24

Pinus Patula

Patula Pine

2

: : Invasive species or species deemed to be potentially invasive, in that a permit is required to carry out restricted activity

25

Pinus Radiata

Radiata Pine, Montery Pine

1b elsewhere

2 for plantations and wind-rows

: Invasive species or species deemed to be potentially invasive, in that a permit is required to carry out restricted activity

26

Populus Canescens

Grey Poplar, Matchwood Poplar

2

Invasive species or species deemed to be potentially invasive, in that a permit is required to carry out restricted activity

27

Ricinus Communis

Castor-oil Plant

2

Invasive species or species deemed to be potentially invasive, in that a permit is required to carry out restricted activity

28

Robinia Pseudoacacia

Black Locust

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

29

Rubus Ellipticus

Himalayan Raspberry

1a

Invasive species which must be combated and eradicated

30

Salvinia Molesta

Kariba weed, Salvinia

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

31

Solanum Mauritianum

Bugweed

1b

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed

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