Exploring Pigeon Valley: Chromolaena odorata

This is the 28th in an ongoing series that highlights the riches of Pigeon Valley, the urban nature reserve in the heart of Glenwood. The focus of this article will be on Chromolaena odorata.

When I recently took Mr Kenneth Mabila, the head of Natural Resources Division that is responsible for Pigeon Valley, around the reserve, I offered him R100 for each Chromolaena or Lantana plant he could find. I was confident I was not threatening my overdraft, and I was correct. The chance of finding these plants in the reserve is now very low, though occasionally I find a small one growing at the reservoir. The flowering specimen in the photo was hiding in a quiet corner – two minutes later, it had been taken out.

Sometimes referred to as Triffid Weed, the species covers large areas of the province. Apparently the plant was introduced at the time of the Anglo-Boer War in horse feed imported to South Africa. It has had a damaging effect in much of the province, for example in many of the major nature reserves of Zululand, displacing native species that support other forms of life. It is easily identified through its strong smell when leaves are crushed and its light apple-green colour.

ALSO READ: Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Black Sparrowhawk

The rarity in the reserve is because, over the years, the Friends of Pigeon Valley have removed great numbers of the plants. I recall struggling to pull out the roots of a large plant under a thicket. When it suddenly gave way, my arm flew back directly onto one of the generously sturdy and sharp spikes of Dalbergia armata, the Hluhluwe creeper, and profanities filled the air. I have a small cyst in my arm as a reminder.

In grassland Chromolaena takes over. However, it gets into forests as well, squeezing its way in, as in the photo. I was once surprised to see its flowers high in the canopy of the reserve. When I finally located the trunk and snapped it, the sap poured out. This is a water-thirsty plant!

Crispin Hemson chairs the Friends of Pigeon Valley, a group that undertakes clearing of alien plants, keeps records of bird and mammal sightings and alerts management to any problems.

The Friends have a monthly walk at 7.30am on the second Saturday of each month. Email: friendsofpigeonvalley1@gmail.com.

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