Gauteng Smallholder March 2016 | Page 19

From page 14 INVASIVE ALIENS (Phytolacca dioica). Although all three were originally brought into South Africa for use as garden ornamentals, they have escaped cultivation and spread through a few provinces. The entire Chilean Inkberry plant is poisonous and has been known to kill livestock, and even humans who ate parts of it. However, the ripe berries are readily consumed by birds that aid in seed dispersal. This fact is evident even in suburban gardens, especially in Gauteng, where Belhambra tree Chilean inkberry plants seem to appear from nowhere and are difficult to eradicate, because they merely sucker from the roots when cut down. In natural environments, dense infestations of Chilean inkberry may outcompete indigenous vegetation and eventually transform natural habitats. Some parts of the Belhambra tree - the sap, the roots, and the green fruit, are also poisonous. In addition, they have the ability to outcompete and displace indigenous vegetation in virtually any frost-free habitat. Although sword fern may not yet be widespread throughout the country, it has the potential to Sword fern spread rapidly and to form dense infestations that outcompete and replace indigenous vegetation, thereby transforming natural habitats. Registered herbicides are not available for use against these particular alien invasives, and Chilean inkberry 17 www.sasmallholder.co.za infestations are difficult to eradicate. Unfortunately, since no biological control agents have been released, mechanical control remains the best option. However, this is time-consuming, and regular follow-ups are required.