Invasive alien plants will be removed from Kloof’s verges

THE Kloof Conservancy and the eThekwini Municipality will again combine forces to eradicate the invasive alien plants (IAP) along Kloof’s street verges.

Invasive alien plants are plant species that have been introduced, either intentionally or unintentionally, to South Africa.

They reproduce rapidly in their new environments and tend to out–grow indigenous plants due to a combination of factors, including: a lack of natural enemies in the new environment, resistance to local diseases and other plant pathogens and highly competitive growth and colonising strategies.

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The National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) regulations spell out the requirements with regards to IAPs and came into effect on 1 October 2014.

“These regulations require the control and eradication of those species that have been identified as IAPs and are listed in the NEMBA regulations,” said Kloof Conservancy’s Paolo Candotti.

The eThekwini Municipality’s Parks Leisure and Cemeteries Department has formed a sustainable partnership with the Kloof Conservancy to meet its legal obligations.

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This will include the removal of many popular species, among others, such as sisal (Agave Sisalana including the variegated species), swordfern (Nephrolepis spp.), wedelia/Singapore daisy (Thelechitonia Trilobata.) and Queensland Umbrella Trees (Schefflera actinophylla ).

A contractor will be removing these species from verges. Where possible, alternative plants will be offered by the municipality. The cost of eradication of the IAPs will be covered by the Kloof Conservancy and eThekwini Municipality.

“Kloof Conservancy and eThekwini Municipality are appealing to the resident’s sense of civic responsibility and seek their co-operation to remove these plants and help us make Kloof free of IAPs,” said Candotti.

Contact the Parks Department on 031 767 3908.

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