Invasive alien plants occurring in Lesotho: Their ethnobotany, potential risks, distribution and origin

Background: Several recent studies have documented the ethnobotanical uses of plants used in Lesotho, in particular those used for medicinal purposes. However, these reports did not make a distinction between indigenous, naturalised or invasive alien plants. Furthermore, the existing records on the status of the occurrence of these plants in the country are not up to date.Objectives: The aim of this article is to present information on the current knowledge regarding the status of invasive alien plant species in Lesotho and to discuss their ethnobotanical uses, distribution in the country, origin and safety. We further assess the existing legislation designed to regulate the spread of such plants and make a comparison with the invasiveness and regulation of such plants in the neighbouring South Africa.Method: This article is based mainly on a literature survey of published information obtained from various databases, such as Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus, as well as from unpublished data such as technical reports, dissertations and theses.Results: A total of 57 species, comprising one pteridophyte, one gymnosperm and 56 flowering plants (52 dicotyledons and 4 monocotyledons) are documented. Although these plants are invasive in nature, they are utilised for a variety of purposes including food, treatment of various medical conditions, cosmetics and functional uses. However, some of the species are reported to be poisonous to both animals and humans, with a majority of the plants causing skin irritation. Most of these species are widely distributed throughout the country and most of them originated from America, Europe and Asia. Although a number of reports on the occurrence of invasive alien plants have been generated, the information therein has not yet been published.Conclusion: This study has identified knowledge gaps in terms of safety and distribution of the species, as well as shortfalls in the policies intended to regulate invasive alien species (IAS) in Lesotho. Further research in this regard is therefore recommended.

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Microbial Communities in the Fynbos Region of South Africa: What Happens during Woody Alien Plant Invasions

Diversity ◽

10.3390/d12060254 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 254

Author(s):

Karin Jacobs ◽

Tersia Conradie ◽

Shayne Jacobs

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Plant Invasions ◽

Cape Floristic Region ◽

Alien Plants ◽

Microbial Populations ◽

Invasive Alien Plants ◽

Alien Plant ◽

Lack Of Information ◽

The Common ◽

Insight Into

The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is globally known for its plant biodiversity, and its flora is commonly referred to as fynbos. At the same time, this area is under severe pressure from urbanization, agricultural expansion and the threat of invasive alien plants. Acacia, Eucalyptus and Pinus are the common invasive alien plants found across the biome and considerable time, effort and resources are put into the removal of invasive alien plants and the rehabilitation of native vegetation. Several studies have shown that invasion not only affects the composition of plant species, but also has a profound effect on the soil chemistry and microbial populations. Over the last few years, a number of studies have shown that the microbial populations of the CFR are unique to the area, and harbour many endemic species. The extent of the role they play in the invasion process is, however, still unclear. This review aims to provide an insight into the current knowledge on the different microbial populations from this system, and speculate what their role might be during invasion. More importantly, it places a spotlight on the lack of information about this process.

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The Rate of Regeneration of Native Plant Species After Eradication of Invasive Alien Plant Species (Acacia Decurrens Willd.) in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-294036/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Melford Mbedzi ◽

Milingoni Peter Tshisikhawe ◽

Sebataolo Rahlao ◽

Innocent Ndidzulafhi Sinthumule

Keyword(s):

Plant Species ◽

Structural Diversity ◽

Alien Plants ◽

Limpopo Province ◽

Permanent Plots ◽

Native Plant ◽

Invasive Alien Plants ◽

Alien Plant ◽

Native Plant Species ◽

Invasive Alien Plant

Abstract Riparian invasive alien plants are known to compete with native plant species for water, space, daylight, and different other resources by decreasing structural diversity of native vegetation and subsequently changing the functioning of the ecosystem. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of native plant species recolonization after the eradication of A. decurrens. The investigation was done in the Waterberg District Municipality, Limpopo Province in a farm, which is highly infested with A. decurrens. Twenty-four permanent plots of 10 m x 10 m were constructed and the A. decurrens individuals in the plots were removed and the area was monitored for a period of 2 years. The size of quadrats was based on the size and distribution of the invasive alien plants which develop in an aggregated form and have exceptionally small canopies.

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The emerging invasive alien plants of the Drakensberg Alpine Centre, southern Africa

Bothalia ◽

10.4102/abc.v42i2.10 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 42 (2) ◽

pp. 71-85 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

C. Carbutt

Keyword(s):

Competitive Ability ◽

Plant Invasions ◽

Alien Plants ◽

Suitable Habitat ◽

Invasive Alien Plants ◽

Alien Plant ◽

Invasive Alien Plant ◽

Management Interventions ◽

Study Sites ◽

Disturbed Habitats

An ‘early detection’-based desktop study has identified 23 taxa as ‘current’ emerging invasive alien plants in the Drakensberg Alpine Centre (DAC) and suggests a further 27 taxa as probable emerging invaders in the future. These 50 species are predicted to become problematic invasive plants in the DAC because they possess the necessary invasive attributes and have access to potentially suitable habitat that could result in them becoming major invaders. Most of the ‘current’ emerging invasive alien plant species of the DAC are of a northern-temperate affinity and belong to the families Fabaceae and Rosaceae (four taxa each), followed by Boraginaceae and Onagraceae (two taxa each). In terms of functional type (growth form), most taxa are shrubs (9), followed by herbs (8), tall trees (5), and a single climber. The need to undertake a fieldwork component is highlighted and a list of potential study sites to sample disturbed habitats is provided. A global change driver such as increased temperature is predicted to not only result in extirpation of native alpine species, but to also possibly render the environment more susceptible to alien plant invasions due to enhanced competitive ability and pre-adapted traits. A list of emerging invasive alien plants is essential to bring about swift management interventions to reduce the threat of such biological invasions.

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Invasive alien plants and Eupatorium: Biodiversity and livelihood

Himalayan Journal of Sciences ◽

10.3126/hjs.v1i2.213 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 129-133 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Ripu M Kunwar

Keyword(s):

Invasive Species ◽

Invasive Alien Species ◽

Alien Plants ◽

Competitive Strategies ◽

Invasive Alien Plants ◽

Eupatorium Adenophorum ◽

Alien Plant ◽

Invasive Alien Plant ◽

Central Nepal ◽

Eupatorium Adenophorum Spreng

Invasive alien species colonize aggressively, threatening native biodiversity. The success of invasive alien plants is due to their opportunistic exploitation of anthropogenic disturbances, the absence of natural enemies, and, frequently, their allelopathic competitive strategies. Invasive species can have a significant impact on development, affecting sustainability of livelihood, food security and essential ecosystem services and dynamics. Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng. and E. odoratum L. (forest killer, local name banmara) are unpalatable and highly competitive. They have taken hold in scattered sites throughout eastern and central Nepal, currently, they are also rapidly spreading westward. Efforts are being made to control established invasive species, but a better understanding of why species become invasive offers the possibility of taking pre-emptive measures. Key words: Invasive alien plant species, Eupatorium, biological control, livelihood Himalayan Journal of Sciences 1(2): 129-133, 2003

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The role of rivers and streams in the migration of alien plants into the Polish Carpathians

Biodiversity Research and Conservation ◽

10.2478/v10119-011-0012-z ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 43-56 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Adam Zając ◽

Barbara Tokarska-Guzik ◽

Maria Zając

Keyword(s):

Alien Species ◽

Alien Plants ◽

Anthropogenic Factors ◽

Invasive Alien Plants ◽

Alien Plant ◽

The Carpathians ◽

Rivers And Streams ◽

Polish Carpathians ◽

River Valleys

The role of rivers and streams in the migration of alien plants into the Polish CarpathiansThe Carpathians are among the regions of Poland that are generally less susceptible to invasive alien plants. The factor limiting the spread of the species of this group is, above all, the mountain climate. Even species originating from other mountain regions, e.g. the HimalayanImpatiens glandulifera, have their localities only at low elevations, in the Carpathian foothills. In most cases, alien plant species migrate into the Carpathians from the lowlands. The river valleys provide the migration corridors used by alien species in the course of their progress into new territories of the upper mountain localities. The situation along some mountain rivers, where invasive alien species dominate the native vegetation, is dramatic. Their spread is facilitated not only by easy diaspore transport but also by some anthropogenic factors, such as, river engineering and the transformation of riparian habitats and progressing devastation. Currently, we can observe some invasive alien plants "in statu nascendi", developing a new, secondary range in the Carpathians (e.g.Chaerophyllum aureum) or at the foothills, along the Wisła (Vistula) and San river valleys (e.g.Eragrostis albensis). For some species, cities were the destination for the first stage of future migration, e.g.Acer negundo. In the Carpathians, where many national parks and nature reserves are located, the continuous monitoring of the spread of invasive alien plants should be one of the principal activities of botanists.

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A preliminary assessment of the extent and potential impacts of alien plant invasions in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, East Africa

Koedoe ◽

10.4102/koedoe.v59i1.1426 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 59 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Arne B.R. Witt ◽

Sospeter Kiambi ◽

Tim Beale ◽

Brian W. Van Wilgen

Keyword(s):

Alien Species ◽

East Africa ◽

Plant Species ◽

Invasive Plant ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Alien Plants ◽

Alien Plant Species ◽

Invasive Alien Plants ◽

Alien Plant ◽

Human Habitation

This article provides a preliminary list of alien plant species in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in East Africa. The list is based on broad-scale roadside surveys in the area and is supplemented by more detailed surveys of tourist facilities in the Masai-Mara National Reserve and adjoining conservancies. We encountered 245 alien plant species; significantly more than previous studies, of which 62 (25%) were considered to have established self-perpetuating populations in areas away from human habitation. These included species which had either been intentionally or accidentally introduced. Of the 245 alien plants, 212 (including four species considered to be native to the region) were intentionally introduced into gardens in the National Reserve and 51 (24%) had established naturalised populations within the boundaries of these tourism facilities. Of the 51 naturalised species, 23 (11% of the 212 alien species) were recorded as being invasive within the ecosystem, outside of lodges and away from other human habitation. Currently, the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is relatively free of widespread and abundant invasive alien plants, with a few exceptions, but there are extensive populations outside of the ecosystem, particularly to the west, from where they could spread. We address the potential impacts of six species that we consider to pose the highest risks (Parthenium hysterophorus, Opuntia stricta, Tithonia diversifolia, Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata and Prosopis juliflora). Although invasive alien plants pose substantial threats to the integrity of the ecosystem, this has not yet been widely recognised. We predict that in the absence of efforts to contain, or reverse the spread of invasive alien plants, the condition of rangelands will deteriorate, with severe negative impacts on migrating large mammals, especially wildebeest, zebra and gazelles. This will, in turn, have a substantial negative impact on tourism, which is a major economic activity in the area.Conservation implications: Invasive alien plants pose significant threats to the integrity of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem and steps will need to be taken to prevent these impacts. The most important of these would be the removal of alien species from tourist facilities, especially those which are known to be naturalised or invasive, the introduction of control programmes aimed at eliminating outlier invasive plant populations to slow down the spread, and the widespread use of biological control wherever possible.

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Assessing the status of biological control as a management tool for suppression of invasive alien plants in South Africa

Bothalia ◽

10.4102/abc.v47i2.2142 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 47 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Costas Zachariades ◽

Iain D. Paterson ◽

Lorraine W. Strathie ◽

Martin P. Hill ◽

Brian W. Van Wilgen

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Biological Control ◽

Biological Invasions ◽

Mass Rearing ◽

Alien Plants ◽

Management Tool ◽

Application Process ◽

Invasive Alien Plants ◽

Financial Investment ◽

The Status

Background: Biological control of invasive alien plants (IAPs) using introduced natural enemies contributes significantly to sustained, cost-effective management of natural resources in South Africa. The status of, and prospects for, biological control is therefore integral to National Status Reports (NSRs) on Biological Invasions, the first of which is due in 2017. Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate the status of, and prospects for, biological control of IAPs in South Africa. We discuss expansion of biological control and suggest indicators to be used in the upcoming NSR to assess sufficient growth. Method: We used published literature, unpublished work and personal communication to assess the status of biological control of IAPs. We propose indicators based on the targets for biological control that were proposed in the 2014 ‘National Strategy for dealing with biological invasions in South Africa’. To prioritise targets for future efforts, we used published lists of damaging IAPs and assessed the prospects for their biological control. Recommendations for using biological control as a management tool were made after discussion among the authors and with colleagues. Results: Significant control of several Cactaceae, Australian Acacia species and floating aquatic plants, and many other IAPs has been achieved in South Africa since 1913. Recently, biological control has benefited from improved international collaboration, a streamlined application process for the release of new biological control agents (resulting in the approval of 19 agents against 13 IAP species since 2013), and increased funding and capacity. There is still a need to improve implementation and to better integrate biological control with other control methods. In order to maximise benefits from biological control, increased investment is required, particularly in implementation and post-release evaluation, and in targeting new IAPs. Proposed targets for growth between 2017 and 2020 include an increase in financial investment in research by 29%, implementation by 28% and mass-rearing by 68%. Research capacity should increase by 29%, implementation capacity by 63% and mass-rearing capacity by 61%. New research projects should be initiated on 12 new IAP targets, while post-release monitoring efforts should be expanded to another 31 IAPs. Conclusion: Biological control of IAPs has contributed substantially to their management in South Africa, and continues to do so. Further investment in targeted aspects of IAP biological control will increase this contribution.

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Tourists’ perceptions and willingness to pay for the control of Opuntia stricta invasion in protected areas: A case study from South Africa

Koedoe ◽

10.4102/koedoe.v56i1.1214 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 56 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Natasha Nikodinoska ◽

Llewellyn C. Foxcroft ◽

Mathieu Rouget ◽

Alessandro Paletto ◽

Sandra Notaro

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Willingness To Pay ◽

Protected Areas ◽

National Parks ◽

Control Programme ◽

Alien Plants ◽

Invasive Alien Plants ◽

Alien Plant ◽

North West ◽

Negative Impacts

Invasive alien plants have a long history of establishment in the national parks of South Africa.In particular, Opuntia stricta (sour prickly pear) has invaded several protected areas in thecountry, threatening the biodiversity conservation mandate of these conservation areas. Thisarticle focuses on the economic estimation of O. stricta’s negative impacts in protected areas byusing Contingent Valuation surveys conducted amongst a sample of tourists in the PilanesbergNational Park (North West Parks and Tourism Board, South Africa). Tourists’ familiarity andawareness of selected invasive alien plants and their willingness to pay for the implementationof a control programme for O. stricta were assessed. The results show that many tourists arefamiliar with invasive alien plants and their (positive and negative) impacts and, in particular,perceived the presence of O. stricta to be negative, due to the impacts on aesthetics and recreation.Socio-demographic characteristics, as well as individual attitudes and biocentric beliefs, have aninfluence on the willingness to contribute financially to a control programme for O. stricta. Theindividual willingness to pay assessment found that the majority of respondents (78%) werewilling to pay a higher entrance fee (an additional R57.30 or $7.00 per day) for a hypotheticalprogramme to control the invasion of O. stricta in the Pilanesberg National Park.Conservation implications: The willingness of tourists to pay for O. stricta managementprovides useful insights in the decision-making process of park management. The resultsare encouraging, since, in general, tourists are aware of the problem and are in support ofproviding additional economic input for preventing future alien plant invasions.

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Potential Risks of Plant Invasions in Protected Areas of Sri Lanka under Climate Change with Special Reference to Threatened Vertebrates

Climate ◽

10.3390/cli8040051 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 51

Author(s):

Champika S. Kariyawasam ◽

Lalit Kumar ◽

Sujith S. Ratnayake

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Sri Lanka ◽

Protected Areas ◽

Plant Invasions ◽

Alien Plant Species ◽

Alien Plant ◽

Tropical Island ◽

Invasive Alien Plant ◽

Climate Suitability ◽

Potential Risks

There is substantial global concern over the potential impacts of plant invasions on native biodiversity in protected areas (PAs). Protected areas in tropical island countries that host rich biodiversity face an imminent risk from the potential spread of invasive alien plant species. Thus, the aim of this study was to gain a general understanding of the potential risks of multiple plant invasions in PAs located in the tropical island of Sri Lanka under projected climate change. We conducted a further analysis of a multi-species climate suitability assessment, based on a previous study using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling approach, and tested how species invasion may change in protected areas under climate change. We evaluated how the climate suitability of 14 nationally recognized invasive alien plant species (IAPS) will vary within PAs and outside PAs by 2050 under two climate change scenarios, representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5. Our findings suggest that there will be increased risks from multiple IAPS inside PAs and outside PAs in Sri Lanka in the future; however, the potential risk is comparatively less in PAs. We provide an overview of the species richness of selected threatened vertebrate groups, which can be potentially impacted by IAPS in PAs. The findings of this study highlight important implications for the strategic management of plant invasions in PAs in order to safeguard native biodiversity, with special reference to vertebrates.

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