THE SCOURGE OF ACACIA ELATA IN BETTY’S BAY
Article compiled for the Kogelberg Branch of the BotSoc by Dr Allan Heydorn Originating in south-eastern Australia, the Peppertree wattle, Acacia elata, is an invasive species causing increasing concern in the Western Cape. As with other invasive Acacia species, it displaces indigenous fynbos vegetation, lowers groundwater levels and poses a serious hazard during wildfires. It spreads rapidly through prolific seed production and dispersion. A. elata is listed under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) as Category 1b. Its removal is therefore enforceable by law. Unfortunately, A. elata is also spreading rapidly in Betty’s Bay.…read more