Alien Weeds and Invasive Plants - a complete guide to declared weeds and invaders in South Africa

Lesley Henderson, Plant Protection Research Institute Handbook Number 12, Plant Protection Research Institute and the Agricultural Research Council, South Africa, 2001. Softcover R86,00 ISBN 1-86849-192-7 150mm x 210mm, 300 pages

The focus on alien plants and their encroachment in South Africa early on led to a recognition that education was far and away the most effective means of combating this threat to biodiversity in the country. As a result several publications have dealt with the topic and endeavoured to provide material through which the man on the street can identify alien plants. Featuring all 198 species of declared weeds and invaders under the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, Act 43 of 1983, amended in 2001, this guide is perhaps the most comprehensive in this regard. A further 36 species not included in the act also feature as do all the regulations concerning the exact status and control of these plants.

Grasses and reeds (10), herbs (38), climbers (25), aquatic plants (10), trees and shrubs (155) are included and are grouped accordingly for quick identification. Under each species account (generally a full page) is a general description, description of leaves, flowers and fruit, reason for cultivation, habitat invaded, country or region of origin and the plant's invader status. Line drawings of features such as leaves, flowers, fruit and growth form also appear here, as does a map of the recorded occurrence of the species in South Africa. Quick reference icons dealing with invader status, availability of bio-control or herbicides, and the poisonous or irritant nature of the plant also appear. While this all makes for quick and accurate identification, it is unfortunate that only 96 species are represented in colour photographs. Of use however are the inclusion of the 2001 amendments to Act 43, a comprehensive glossary and key of botanical terms and features and an extensive section guiding the reader to further reading and local and government agencies concerned with plant identification and bio- and chemical control.

Given an intention to allow the layman to easily identify alien invaders the lack of colour photos is the only real downfall of a book that is anyway highly recommended and largely indispensable.

-Chris Roche-

Posted: Plants by Chris Roche, Date: 22 November 2006