Alien Mug Shots – Know the Enemy !

The Cape Peninsula is home to a wonderful wealth of unique plant species. The indigenous mountain fynbos is world renown for it’s rich diversity of endemic species. Notable amongst these are the Proteas and close relatives, Leucadendrons and Leucospermum (pincushions) as well as Ericas, Restio (reeds), Watsonia , Ixias and Helichrysum (everlastings). However this floral kingdom is under threat, as never before, from robust and highly successful invasive alien plants. The more prolific of these are all natives of Australia, introduced into the Cape more than a century ago and in many areas have almost totally supplanted the indigenous species. These invasive aliens have four main characteristics : -

a) They are great guzzlers of water, causing the land to dry out.

b) As exotics, they have no natural enemies or pests that would help to limit their numbers.

c) They are fast growing and produce masses of seed, which is able to remain viable, even after severe fires.

d) THEY ALL BURN LIKE HELL !!!

To assist in recognising the more common types of invasive aliens, we have assembled the following “rogues gallery” to assist you in recognising these dangerous outlaws.

Show them no mercy -

ERADICATE ON SIGHT !!!

Alien Species

Click on the specific plant below to see photo and description:

• Port Jackson
• Rooikraans
• Hakea
• Australian Myrtle
• Manotoka
• Gum Tree
• Pampas Grass