Alien Invader Plants
Izihlahla Zokufika Ezhlaselayo
Uitheemse Probleem Plante

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CONTROL:
Manual: Usually mechanical/manual ensuring that roots are dug out.  Uprooting and lasso/winch method effective.
Chemical: No herbicides registered.  Basal Stem: try Garlon® 4 200ml/10l diesel.  Foliar Spray: try Garlon® 4 50ml/10l water on new seedlings.
Biocontrol: Seed attackers under investigation.

DESCRIPTION: Perennial shrub or small tree 3 to 4m high with densely grey, hairy branch lets; drooping dark green leaves; flowers white or pale yellow in globose heads borne singly or in groups of two or three in the leaf axils.  Distinctive clusters of brown pods flattened but raised over the seeds.  Flowering time: July to March.

ORIGIN: Introduced from Tropical America as a fodder crop and as a source of firewood.

WHERE FOUND/PROBLEMS CAUSED: Has become a weed after escaping into the wild especially in the sub-tropical areas of KwaZulu-Natal.  It forms dense stands on road and railway reserves, and invades riverbanks, forest margins and disturbed areas.

DID YOU KNOW: Leucaena is still touted by some to be valuable as a source of firewood, fodder, construction poles, sand binding and as an ornament even though there are many indigenous species which can perform the same functions e.g. Acacia karroo, Faidherbia albida, Sesbania sesban etc.  Seedlings can also still be bought from nurseries!

This page was last edited on 23 April, 2006