THIS week, Hillcrest Conservancy takes a look at the Crofton weed as part of its series of articles on alien invasive plants to help the community to identify and eradicate them from their gardens.The Crofton weed’s scientific name is Ageratina adenophora (Asteraceae) but it is also known as Mexican devil or snake root.
Description: This perennial shrub was originally imported as an ornamental garden plant and grows up to two metres high with hairy stems. It has dark green, non-aromatic leaves 30-60mm wide. Attractive white flowers in terminal clusters from August to December.
Where does this species come from? Central America.
Where in SA is it a problem? It is a problem in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces.
What is its invasive status in South Africa? This is a category 1 b alien invader in terms of NEMBA and needs to be removed to avoid prosecution and to control its spread.
Why is it a problem? Like most alien invaders this plant competes with and replaces indigenous species, particularly along forest margins and riverbanks. This plant is also poisonous.
How does it spread? It is spread via seed dispersal
Contact Ian Pattrick on 079 909 5458 or Hillcrest Conservancy chairman, George Victor, on 073 901 3902 or e-mail georgevic@telkomsa.net
