THIS week, Hillcrest Conservancy, takes a look at the Indian laurel, as part of its series of articles on alien invasive plants, to help the community to identify and eradicate them from their gardens.
The Indian laurel’s scientific name is Litsea glutinosa, but it is also known as the Indiese lourier in Afrikaans.
Description: The Indian laurel is an evergreen shrub or tree growing six to 10m high. This large tree can sometimes be confused with the avocado pear, the crushed leaf will however give it away as it has a rather unpleasant smell. The growth form is also similar to an avocado. Yellow-orange flowers which appear in summer from October to May are also a giveaway. Fruit/seeds: Pea-sized shiny black berries seated on a disc with one seed inside.
Where does this species come from? Himalayas and south-east Asia.
What is its invasive status in South Africa? This is a Category 1b plant and must therefore be removed. It is better to remove these when they are small as the cost to remove a fully grown specimen will be considerable.
Where in South Africa is it a problem? These species is a particular problem in KZN, specifically the Durban area.
How does it spread? Seed dispersal.
Why is it a problem? A habitat transformer which competes against indigenous plants.
Does the plant have any uses? Used as an ornament, but now invasive.
Contact Ian Pattrick on 079 909 5458 or Hillcrest Conservancy chairman, George Victor, on 073 901 3902 or e-mail georgevic@telkomsa.net
