Marloth Park Management Plan. - Nkomazi Local Municipality
Marloth Park Management Plan. - Nkomazi Local Municipality
Marloth Park Management Plan. - Nkomazi Local Municipality
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Ricinus communis, Solanum sisymbriifolium and Xanthium strumarium<br />
The castor bean Ricinus communis (Category 2) can be recognized by its large shiny palmate<br />
(hand-shaped) leafs. The wild tomato Solanum sisymbriifolium is also a noxious weed<br />
(Category 1), but recognized by it prickly appearance. The large cocklebur Xanthium<br />
strumarium is characterized by it profusion of spiky seedpods, and due to its invasive<br />
properties classified as an undesirable weed (Category 1). These species can be found<br />
distributed throughout <strong>Marloth</strong> <strong>Park</strong>, but nowhere in large densities. It is, however,<br />
recommended that all these species be mechanically removed when encountered. The castor<br />
bean and the wild tomato are relatively low priority species, but wild tomato and large<br />
cocklebur should be considered high priority species that must be controlled.<br />
Alien species<br />
There are a myriad of other alien species found on <strong>Marloth</strong> <strong>Park</strong>, many of these considered<br />
naturalized weeds or acceptable garden plants. Undesirable weeds such as Amaranthus sp.,<br />
Bidens pilosa and Tagetes minuta are all considered low priority plant species found<br />
throughout <strong>Marloth</strong> <strong>Park</strong>. These plant species are usually associated with disturbed areas such<br />
as roadsides. Control of these plants can effectively be obtained by a natural burning regime,<br />
as the application of herbicide, although effective, is not considered economically viable.<br />
BUSH ENCROACHMENT<br />
Bush encroachment is commonly defined as an increasing woody plant density. With the<br />
woody plant component increasing the grass sward diminishes, as the woody seedlings out<br />
compete the herbaceous layer for water supplies. This causes a decrease in an areas´ grazing<br />
capacity. Effects of overgrazing become more and more severe.<br />
With an increase of the level of tree thinning more and more grasses colonize bare ground.<br />
With less competition from woody plants for ground water after tree thinning, grasses stand a<br />
better chance to establish. To promote grass production in the areas of arid mixed bushveld no<br />
more than 1500 to 1700 trees per hectare are recommended This recommendation represents<br />
an approach between positive and negative interaction of trees and herbaceous layer as well as<br />
the aridity of the area as it influences the available soil moisture. The desired vegetation<br />
structure is an open savanna, which consists mainly of large trees, interspersed with relatively<br />
few small trees.<br />
© Ecological Associates/ <strong>Marloth</strong> <strong>Park</strong> 96