THIS week, Hillcrest Conservancy takes a look at the Red sesbania as part of its series of articles on alien invasive plants to help the community to identify and eradicate them from their gardens.
The Red sesbania’s scientific name is Sesbania punicea (Fabaceae) but it is also known as Brazilian glory pea, coffee weed, rattlepod, tango, Rooisesbania, and Brasiliaanse glorie-ertjie (Afrikaans).
Description: It is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to four metres high with many slender branches. It has drooping, dark green leaves with oblong leaflets that end in tiny, pointed tips. The showy red or orange flowers in dense sprays up to 25cm long from September to March. It also has brown, four-winged pods 6-8cm long and 10mm wide. The seeds, leaves and flower are poisonous.
Where does this species come from? Originally from South America and introduced as an ornamental plant.
Where in SA is it a problem?
It is a problem throughout Southern Africa
What is its invasive status in South Africa? It has now been declared a category 1b alien invader.
Why is it a problem? The plants are often found near rivers or on the bank of dams and lakes where it out competes indigenous vegetation. The seeds are known to be deadly to birds, reptiles and mammals so special care should be taken with children as the seeds can look quite appetizing.
How does it spread? The seeds are spread by water.
Plant me instead alternatives: Dwarf coral tree (Erythrina humeana), September bush (Polygala myrtifolia), purple broom (Polygala virgata), wild pomegranate (Burchellia bubalina).
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