SANParks.org Forums

Does anyone have a list of trees that should be removed and what the law is, if there is one.

I have a few Oleanders in my garden and I know they should be taken out. Tried to cut one down but it just grew back. I even drilled into it and put diesel into the drill holes but this did not work

I know the feeling. You should be able to obtain a list from your local parks department and also info on how to get rid of the trees and plants.

As far as I know the following are declared weeds commonly found in gardens and should be removed:
Bug Weed - Solanum species
Castor Oil Plant
Lantana camara
Prickly Pear - certain species of Opuntia
Jacaranda trees
Syringa Trees
Also have an idea that Kikuyu Grass was recently added to the list.
Will try and find a comprehensive list though.

The jacarandas of Johannesburg and Pretoria are one of my fondest memories of my first visit to SA and I can't imagine those two cities without those lovely trees. Although I understand the rationale for purging aliens, I would be very sad to see those go.

The law (if I am not mistaken) is supposed to prevent property being transferred until prescribed alien vegetation has been removed.

WRT Jacarandas, Pretoria (Tshwane) has apparantly been granted exemption.

I believe that you can leave the Jacarandas that are already there, particularly in Joburg and Pretoria, but you are NOT allowed to plant any new ones.

Dig your Oleander out, roots and all. They are also very poisonous.

Most plants do not like copper nails into them...

This is my next step although I have been told they have very stubborn root systems. Although they are pretty trees they don't attract any birds or insects and as you say they are very poisonous.



Thanks I might try this also, but a tree that quite happily drinks diesel with no side effects might enjoy a copper nail or two.

On the list i sometimes use, the jacaranda tree is no 57 on the priority list... read it here (list on page 5)
Unfortunately only botanical names.
for example:
Acacia saligna no 4 - Port Jackson
Acacia mearnsii no 9 - Black Wattle

Also this article that incudes control methods here

JB, this is excellent and completely forgot about the "yiggie" black wattle - uuughhh!!!

I agree with you on this arks, the other one i'll also be sad to see go is Schinus molle (pepper tree / peperboom) no 42 on that list. They always make me think about the little "dorpies" in the countryside...

Found this article on the subject. Will try and get you a more complete list from work.

This is the official website with all info on Weeds and Invasive plants
Comprehensive list with photo's and some distribution maps.

I can see the problems with invading plants, too, but I actually doubt that an oleander plant does so much damage to justify pouring diesel into the ground. Diesel is poisonous itself and is nothing that should be spread around in liters. I think one should be careful that when eradicating invading plants the eradication itself will not be more harmful than the plant.