Alien Invader Plants
Izihlahla Zokufika Ezhlaselayo
Uitheemse Probleem Plante

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CONTROL:
Manual: Very difficult, large trees may need repeat treatment, seedlings taller than 20cm impossible to pull out because of long taproot.
Chemical:  No herbicides registered. Basal stem: for small trees with diameter less than 15cm, try Garlon® 4 200ml/10l diesel.  Larger trees try Garlon® 4 500ml/10l diesel applied to Total Frill (ring of axe cuts) as well as to Basal Stem.  Best is Total Stump: try Garlon® 4 500ml/10l diesel or Chopper® 500ml/10l water.

DESCRIPTION: Growth tips are furry; leaves boat-shaped, paler underneath with a distinct smell when crushed; small, insignificant, pale yellow-green flowers; round, purple-brown to shiny black fruit; evergreen tree up to 6 to 10m tall, resembling an avocado pear.  Flowering time: October to May.

ORIGIN: from Europe and Asia.

WHERE FOUND/PROBLEMS CAUSED: Occurs mainly in localised pockets, which are particularly widespread along the KZN coast, however is spreading fast.  Threatens indigenous plant communities particularly in coastal forests; may jeopardise the spread of indigenous plant species by changing feeding behaviour of indigenous birds.  “Carpets” of seedlings germinate in the vicinity of large fruiting trees.  One tree can “infest” a neighbourhood in a very short time.

DID YOU KNOW: Litsea fruits are eaten and dispersed by louries, starlings, bulbuls, barbets, hornbills, doves and pigeons.  Seeds germinate readily and even very small seedlings are difficult to pull out as the tap root is long and strong and is inclined to break off below ground level and regrow, causing future bigger problems.  Painting young trees with the correct herbicide mixture is very effective and will stop the“invasion”.

This page was last edited on 23 April, 2006