Alien Invader Plants
Izihlahla Zokufika Ezhlaselayo
Uitheemse Probleem Plante

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CONTROL: Complete eradication is difficult because each joint or fruit can produce a new plant.
Biocontrol: Sap sucking cochineal and Cactoblastis moth effective on large patches.  Remainder must be sprayed with government-subsidised MSMA® but must leave some plants to keep bioagents alive! Example of successful integrated control (Biocontrol + chemical control)

DESCRIPTION: Leaves reduced to insignificant scales; stems (known as cladodes which function as leaves) slightly flattened, green and armed with 1-3 cm long barbed spines; bright yellow flowers; low spreading shrub that seldom exceeds 0,5 m in height in open veld but can grow much taller if supported in dense bush.  Seeds are sterile.  Flowering time: December to January.

ORIGIN: Originates from South America probably in eastern Argentina or Uruguay where it is thought to have originated as a hybrid.

WHERE FOUND/PROBLEMS CAUSED: At present only localised infestations occur.  It reproduces vegetatively with detached fruits or joints rooting where they fall, but also being spread by sticking to stock, wild animals, vehicles and farm equipment.  Barbed spines can cause sores and lameness in grazing animals, especially sheep; even at low densities it can greatly reduce the carrying capacity of land because animals avoid it.

DID YOU KNOW: Jointed cactus has become South Africa's most costly invader plant and has had a long, expensive history of control dating back almost a century.  There are also other species of cactus that are a problem in KZN.

This page was last edited on 22 April, 2006