THIS week, Hillcrest Conservancy, takes a look at the Tree Daisy, as part of its series of articles on alien invasive plants, to help the community to identify and eradicate them from their gardens.
The Tree Daisy’s scientific name is Montanoa hibiscifolia but it is also known as Montanoa in Afrikaans and ubhongobhongo in isiZulu.
Description. It is a perennial half-shrub growing up to six metres high with dark green, large, palmately-lobed leaves which are paler beneath and softly hairy on both surfaces. The flower petals are white and the disc yellow and are borne in terminal clusters from May to October. It has reddish-brown fruits borne in the rounded, papery old flowerheads. It invades forests, woodlands, bush clumps, roadsides, river banks and disturbed sites.
Where does this species come from? This species has been introduced from Central America as an ornamental garden plant and due to its lack of natural enemies and conducive South African climate has become a problem.
What is its invasive status in South Africa? It falls in category 1b of NEMBA and thus must be removed to avoid prosecution.
How does it spread? Seeds may be moved from place to place by moving vehicles, as can be seen on the M13 near the Kassier road turn off, as well as by water.
Plant these similar species instead. Pink Wild Pear (Dombeya burgessiae), Silver white pear (Dombeya pulchra), African hemp (Sparrmannia fricana), Snuff-box Tree (Oncoba spinosa), September Bells (Rothmannia globosa) or African Dog Rose (Xylotheca kraussiana).
Contact Ian Pattrick on 079 909 5458 or Hillcrest Conservancy chairman, George Victor, on 073 901 3902 or e-mail georgevic@telkomsa.net
