Heed the call to remove alien invasive plants #ProtectOurTrees
PARKVIEW – Help JCPZ remove alien plant species this October.
Residents are encouraged to heed the call by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) to remove alien plants following Garden Day on 20 October.
JCPZ launched its Alien Invasive Campaign earlier this month aimed at raising awareness about alien plants.
JCPZ in partnership with the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (Daff), Working for Water (WFW), City of Joburg’s Environment Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Rand Water and the Department of Agriculture are collectively working to eradicate the scourge of invasive species.
According to MMC for community development Nonhlanhla Sifumba, alien plants have adverse effects on biodiversity, causing the decline and ultimate eradication of native plants.
Sifumba says the identification of invasive plants is vital in the planning process of eradicating these plants, which are sometimes misidentified. Residents are encouraged to contact JCPZ’s conservationists with a description and photographs of the suspected invasive plants.
Manager for integrated catchment management at JCPZ Lindiwe Mashige said, “Our greatest challenge is the eradication of the Bugweed, Black Wattle, Lantana and Castor Oil. We can all stop the spread of these species by destroying them in our gardens.”
Alien invasive plants commonly have characteristics of rapid growth, excessive flowering and growth within a wide range of habitats. According to Sifumba, they outcompete the indigenous vegetation in areas such as riverbanks where they compete for sunlight, oxygen, minerals and soil. Alien species are also resistant to pests and diseases and multiply due to the absence of predators.
Control methods differ depending on the class of the particular plant, its growth form etc. Some methods include manual control, chemical control, mechanical control and biological control. Sifumba said that during the process, it is imperative to avoid the spread of seeds and it is recommended that residents contact JCPZ’s conservation department for assistance with the disposal. Residents can contact JCPZ on 011 791 1117 for information on disposal sites.
Mega blitz operations have been put in place for the month of October where JCPZ staff, Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers, staff from WFW, community volunteers and other stakeholders have identified areas which will be cleaned of invasive species.
Residents may report any invasive species to trees@jhbcityparks.com or register their enquiries on 011 375 5555.
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