Know your alien invasive plant: Queensland umbrella tree
Hillcrest Conservancy will produce weekly articles regarding the various alien invasive plant species in the Highway area to help the community identify and eliminate them.
THIS week, Hillcrest Conservancy takes a look at the Queensland umbrella tree, as part of its series of articles on alien invasive plants, to help the community to identify and eradicate them from their gardens.
The Queensland umbrella tree’s scientific name is Schefflera actinophylla but it is also known as the Australian ivy palm or octopus tree. This is another species which may come as a surprise to many KwaZulu-Natal residents as it grows in many gardens and on road verges.
Description: The Queensland umbrella is a multi-stemmed tree growing up to 10 metres tall that occasionally grows as an epiphyte. The very large compound leaves are umbrella-like, with several glossy leaflets radiating from the same point. Small red flowers are borne in very large, branched flower clusters at the top of the plant. The small fruits turn dark red or dark purple as they mature.
Where does the species come from? Australia.
What is its invasive status in South Africa? This is another Category 1b and must therefore be removed from your garden.
Where in South Africa is it a problem? Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
How does it spread? Dried fruit and seeds float readily in water and have a high level of dormancy.
Why is it a problem? It invades national parks, remnant bush land, undisturbed forests and reserves, causing harm to the fauna and flora of local ecosystems. Roots can pressurise building foundations and block plumbing joints and pipes.
Does the plant have any uses? As an ornamental tree.
Contact Ian Pattrick on 079 909 5458, Hillcrest Conservancy chairman, George Victor, on 073 901 3902 or e-mail georgevic@telkomsa.net
