Invasive plant found in Melmoth area

THE South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has called on the public to report any Paspalum quadrifarium, commonly known as tussock paspalum, a perennial grass growing in the Zululand area.

The plant is native to South America and was probably introduced to South Africa as an ornamental horticultural grass.

It is now considered a threat to our biodiversity and is listed as a serious plant invader (category 1a) under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, which requires compulsory control.

Tussock paspalum is notorious for its rhizomes (underground stems that put out roots) that spread horizontally to form new plants. Extremely dense infestations occurs in just a few years.

Adding to the problems is the fact that Tussock paspalum produces seeds twice a year.

These are spread by the wind and can form new populations far from the original plant.

SANBI’s Directorate on Biological Invasions is managing this species in South Africa, and are aware of one population in the Melmoth region.

There may be other populations in northern KZN area of which the institute is unaware.

The public is urged to report populations to Vusi Mkhize (v.mkhize@sanbi.org.za) and please include your day time contact details.

Description

• Blue-green leaves with longitudinal ridges on the lower surfaces

• The elongated flowering stalk (12-30 cm long) turns a rust colour when seeds are mature

• It prefers moist growth conditions and is likely to be found along riverbanks and stream beds, but it can also occur along roadsides, valleys and in agricultural plantations if conditions are suitable

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