Marloth Park Management Plan. - Nkomazi Local Municipality

Recommendations for Marloth Park
The presence of sickle bush Dichrostachys cinerea is the only species currently exhibiting
encroaching properties on Marloth Park, and although not classified as an alien plant species,
it is invasive and recommended that the number of individuals be reduced in an attempt to
decrease the localized densities. Although the distribution of Dichrostachys cinerea is not
limited to the Dichrostachys cinerea - Tragus berteronianus Low bushland plant community,
the visual dominance in density is notable and in most areas exceed 1125 individuals per
hectare, creating reason for concern. Furthermore, the liase fair approach to this problem has
resulted in these trees becoming of age, thus exceeding the maximum browse high of 2.0 m,
with effect that these trees have little to no browsing value. The high density also inhibits
recovery of the herbaceous layer, thus retaining the historically poor species composition and
ground cover.
It is recommended that a combination of mechanical and chemical treatment of the
Dichrostachys cinerea be initiated, as best visual results are obtained using these methods.
Minimum disturbance of other vegetation occurs and branches that are being removed can be
used in reclamation of denuded and degraded areas. The use of a hand axe or petrol driven
chainsaw is recommended. All trees rooted within a circumference of 5 m of each other,
irrespective of age or size, can be removed. The selected trees are cut at 100 to 150 mm above
the soil surface; where after the remaining cut stump is treated with a chemical,
photosynthesis inhibiter such as Tordon Super ® (picloram/triclopyr). The remaining trees will
be in excess of 3 m in height, creating the most suitable sub-habitat for plant species
exhibiting a preference for shade. Many nutritional grass species are usually encountered in
this sub-habitat.
To achieve effective control of the Dichrostachys cinerea infestations, initial, follow-up and
maintenance treatments must be implemented. Initial control aims at removing the original
infestation, and must be implemented in one season. With selection of an area, time and
labour constraints must be considered. Follow-up is usually implemented annually from the
second year, as copious numbers of seedlings will emerge in the treated areas due to the
residual seed banks. This follow-up phase must be continued until population numbers
decline to a level where they can be controlled with minimum input and effort. The
maintenance phase is reached when areas require low annual or biannual commitment to
prevent re-infestation. Control programmes should strive to reach maintenance control and
not total eradication, which is considered unrealistic.
© Ecological Associates/ Marloth Park 99