The pompom weed that was spreading rapidly along Beyers Naudé Drive, between Northumberland Avenue and Molope Road, Randpark Ridge, earlier this year, was finally removed.
The weed caused concern, because it is very invasive and a threat to other plants around it.
It has a soft, pink flower with a purple stem and can grow to about 1.3m high.
“Pompom weed, or Campuloclinium macrocephalum, is considered to be one of the most significant threats to biodiveristy in grasslands,” said Geoff Lockwood, resident manager at the Detla Environmental Centre.
“Each head produces thousands of tiny, wind-born seeds and [the weed]is spreading rapidly through Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.”
Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport maintains the verges next to Beyers Naudé Drive, and has a programme for the removal of weeds in Gauteng.
However, its representatives did not respond by the time of going to print.
Details: Delta Environmental Centre 011 888 4831, Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport 011 355 7000.
