Know your alien invasive plants: Tall verbena
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 Tall verbena as part of its series of articles on alien invasive plants to help the community to identify and eradicate them from their gardens.
The Tall verbena’s scientific name is Verbena bonariensis but it is also known as Purple top or blouwaterbossie (Afrikaans).
Description: This species is commonly found in grassland and is often believed to be indigenous. It grows to about two metres tall. The leaves are sharply toothed, thick and rough in texture. The stem is unusually square in cross section. The flowers appear on the end of stalks during the entire summer months.
Also read: Know your alien invasive plants: Yellow Flag Iris
Where does this species come from? South America.
Where in SA is it a problem? It can be found throughout South Africa.
What is its invasive status in South Africa? It is a NEMBA Category 1B alien invader and must therefore be removed from your property.
Why is it a problem? While it may seem like an attractive plant, it is, as are many other aliens, poisonous to live stock. It will invade road sides as well as other disturbed and moist areas.
How does it spread? The seeds are dispersed by animals, wind and water.
Does the plant have any uses? It is used as an ornamental plant. Its flowers are attractive to butterflies and bees.
Contact Ian Pattrick on 079 909 5458 or Hillcrest Conservancy chairman, George Victor, on 073 901 3902 or e-mail georgevic@telkomsa.net
