Hostname: page-component-76fb5796d-vvkck Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-28T17:04:43.089Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Emerging Ornamental Plant Invaders in Urban Areas—Centranthus ruber in Cape Town, South Africa as a Case Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2017

Sjirk Geerts ,
Taryn Rossenrode ,
Ulrike M. Irlich  and
Vernon Visser
Sjirk Geerts*
Affiliation:
Senior Lecturer, Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, P.O. Box 652, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
Taryn Rossenrode
Affiliation:
Researcher, Land Programme, WWF-SA, Boundary Terraces, Bridge House First Floor, Mariendahl Lane, Newlands, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
Ulrike M. Irlich
Affiliation:
Researcher, Centre for Invasion Biology, Environmental Resource Management Department (ERMD), City of Cape Town, Westlake Conservation Office, Ou Kaapse Weg, Tokai, Cape Town 7966, South Africa
Vernon Visser
Affiliation:
Researcher, SEEC–Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, and African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
*
*Corresponding author’s E-mail: sjirkgeerts@gmail.com
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Plant species that receive significant human introduction effort and assistance generally are the most problematic invaders. Despite this, invasive ornamental species in urban settings have received relatively little attention if not invading natural areas. Here we consider Centranthus ruber in an urban setting in South Africa as a case study and explore when emerging invaders are able to cross the urban–wildland interface and what hinders early eradication in urban environments. Centranthus ruber was introduced into Cape Town, South Africa, more than a century ago as a garden ornamental, but until recently was not considered invasive. We determine the current and potential future distribution in South Africa, evaluate current management activities, and provide recommendations for control and legislation. By August 2013, we had found 64 populations, of which 31 were casual, 27 naturalized, and 6 invasive. This increased to more than 530 identified populations by the end of 2015, due to both spread and increased awareness. Centranthus ruber can invade near-pristine areas, with one population found in natural vegetation in the Table Mountain National Park. However, with only one slowly spreading population, the threat might be limited. We found no difference in plant mortality between chemical and mechanical clearing, but with mechanical clearing stimulating the soil seedbank, we recommend chemical methods. Using a species distribution model, we found large parts of South Africa, including the southwestern Cape where we conducted our surveys, to be climatically suitable for this species. Consequently, the category 1b regional listing in NEM:BA in the Western Cape is justified, but a listing in other parts of the country also might be appropriate. Based on our findings, we suggest that the extirpation of C. ruber in South Africa is possible, but without buy-in from residents in urban environments, reinvasion will render this impossible. This study stresses the importance of managing and legislating emerging invaders at the urban–wildland interface and the monitoring of common ornamental species with invasive traits.

Keywords

Red valerianCentranthus ruber (L.) DCAustralian weed risk assessment protocolCaprifoliaceaeemerging invadersglyphosateinvasive alien plant speciesMaxentPRECISrisk assessmentSouth AfricaSouth African Plant Invaders Atlas (SAPIA)species distribution modelstriclopyr
Type
Research and Education
Information
Invasive Plant Science and Management , Volume 10 , Issue 4 , December 2017 , pp. 322 - 331
Copyright
© Weed Science Society of America, 2017 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Footnotes

Associate Editor: John A. Randall, University of California, Davis.

References

Literature Cited

Alston, KP, Richardson, DM (2006) The roles of habitat features, disturbance, and distance from putative source populations in structuring alien plant invasions at the urban/wildland interface on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. Biol Conserv 132:183–198 Google Scholar
Baskin, Y (2002) The greening of horticulture: new codes of conduct aim to curb plant invasions. Bioscience 52:464–471 Google Scholar
Benvenuti, S (2004) Weed dynamics in the Mediterranean urban ecosystem: ecology, biodiversity and management. Weed Res 44:341–354 Google Scholar
Bergerot, B (2010) Preferences for exotic flowers do not promote urban life in butterflies. Landsc Urban Plan 96:98–107 Google Scholar
Blackburn, TM, Pyšek, P, Bacher, S, Carlton, JT, Duncan, RP, Jarošik, V, Wilson, JRU, Richardson, DM (2011) A proposed unified framework for biological invasions. Trends Ecol Evol 26:333–339 CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Blossey, B, Skinner, LC, Taylor, J (2001) Impact and management of purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) in North America. Biodivers Conserv 10:1787–1807 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Brickell, C, Zuk, JD (1997) The American Horticultural Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. New York: DK Publishing Google Scholar
Cory, C, Knapp, JJ (2014) A program to eradicate twenty-four nonnative invasive plant species from Santa Cruz island. Monogr West N Am Nat 7:455–464 Google Scholar
Cowling, RM, Macdonald, IA., Simmons, MT (1996) The Cape Peninsula, South Africa: physiographical, biological and historical background to an extraordinary hot-spot of biodiversity. Biodivers Conserv 5:527–550 Google Scholar
Cronin, K, Kaplan, H, Gaertner, M, Irlich, UM, Hoffman, MT (2017) Aliens in the nursery: assessing the attitudes of nursery managers to invasive species regulations. Biol Invasions 19:925–937 Google Scholar
Dehnen-Schmutz, K, Touza, J, Perrings, C, Williamson, M (2007a) A century of the ornamental plant trade and its impact on invasion success. Divers Distrib 13:527–534 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dehnen-Schmutz, K, Touza, J, Perrings, C, Williamson, M (2007b) The horticultural trade and ornamental plant invasions in Britain. Conserv Biol 21:224–231 CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Delucchi, G (2013) Centranthus ruber (Valerianaceae) adventitious in Argentina. Multequina 22:2 Google Scholar
DiTomaso, JM, Healy, EA (2007) Weeds of California and Other Western States Volume 1. Berkeley: University of California Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Publications Google Scholar
Faulkner, KT, Robertson, MP, Rouget, M, Wilson, JRU (2016) Understanding and managing the introduction pathways of alien taxa: South Africa as a case study. Biol Invasions 18:73–87 Google Scholar
Forseth, IN, Innis, AF (2004) Kudzu (Pueraria montana): history, physiology, and ecology combine to make a major ecosystem threat. Crit Rev Plant Sci 23:401–413 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Forsyth, GG (2013) Prioritising Target Plant Species for Early Detection and Rapid Response in the Cape Metropol. Stellenbosch, South Africa: CSIR Google Scholar
Gaertner, M, Larson, BMH, Irlich, UM, Holmes, PM, Stafford, L, Van Wilgen, BW, Richardson, DM (2016) Managing invasive species in cities: a framework from Cape Town, South Africa. Landsc Urban Plann 151:1–9 Google Scholar
Gardner, E, Burningham, H J (2013) Ecology and conservation of the rare annual Petrorhagia nanteuilii (Childing Pink) on the vegetated shingle spits of Pagham Harbour, West Sussex Coast. J Coast Conserv 17:589–600 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Geerts, S, Botha, PW, Visser, V, Richardson, DM, Wilson, JRU (2013a) Montpellier broom (Genista monspessulana) and Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) in South Africa: an assessment of invasiveness and options for management. South Afr J Bot 87:134–145 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Geerts, S, Mashele, BV, Visser, V, Wilson, JRU (2016) Lack of human-assisted dispersal means Pueraria montana var. lobata (kudzu vine) could still be eradicated from South Africa. Biol Invasions 18:3119–3126 Google Scholar
Geerts, S, Moodley, D, Gaertner, M, Le Roux, JJ, McGeoch, MA, Muofhe, C, Richardson, DM, Wilson, JRU (2013b) The absence of fire can cause a lag phase: the invasion dynamics of Banksia ericifolia (Proteaceae). Austral Ecol 38:931–941 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Germishuizen, G, Meyer, N, Steenkamp, Y, Keith, M (2006) A Checklist of South African Plants. Pretoria: Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 41Google Scholar
[GBIF] Global Biodiversity Information Facility. (2013) GBIF Metadata Profile, Reference Guide. February 2011. Contributed by O Tuama E, Braak K. Copenhagen: GBIF. 19 pGoogle Scholar
Gordon, DR, Riddle, B, Pheloung, PC, Ansari, S, Buddenhagen, C, Chimera, C, Daehler, CC, Dawson, W, Denslow, JS, Tshidada, NJ, LaRosa, A, Nishida, T, Onderdonk, DA, Panetta, FD, Pyšek, P, Randall, RP, Richardson, DM, Virtue, JG, Williams, PA (2010) Guidance for addressing the Australian weed risk assessment questions. Plant Prot Q 25:56–74 Google Scholar
Gravuer, K, Sullivan, JJ, Williams, PA, Duncan, RP (2008) Strong human association with plant invasion success for Trifolium introductions to New Zealand. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105:6344–6349 CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Griffiths, K (2010) Trial of control methods for red valerian (Centranthus ruber) at Te Mata Park. Waipawa, New Zealand: Conservation Company Google Scholar
Harden, G (1992) Flora of New South Wales Volume 3. Sydney: New South Wales University Press Google Scholar
Henderson, L (1998) Southern African Plant Invaders Atlas (SAPIA). Appl Plant Sci 12:31–32 Google Scholar
Herbiguide (2013) Red valerian. www.herbiguide.com.au/Descriptions/hg_Red_Valerian.htm Google Scholar
Hitchmough, J, Woudstra, J (1999) The ecology of exotic herbaceous perennials grown in managed, native grassy vegetation in urban landscapes. Landsc Urban Plann 45:107–121 Google Scholar
Hobbs, RJ, Huenneke, LF (1992) Disturbance, diversity, and invasion: implications for conservation. Conserv Biol 6:324–337 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Howell, C (2008) Consolidated List of Environmental Weeds in New Zealand. Wellington: Science and Technical Publishing Google Scholar
Hulme, PE (2012) Weed risk assessment: a way forward or a waste of time? J Appl Ecol 49:10–19 Google Scholar
Irlich, UM, Potgieter, L, Stafford, L, Gaertner, M (2017) Recommendations for municipalities to become compliant with national legislation on biological invasions. Bothalia 47(2), a2156 doi. org/ 10.4102/abc.v47i2.2156 Google Scholar
Kowarik, I (2003) Human agency in biological invasions: secondary releases foster naturalisation and population expansion of alien plant species. Biol Invasions 12:4 Google Scholar
Kowarik, I (2008) On the role of alien species in urban flora and vegetation. Pages 321–338 in Marzluff JM, Shulenberger E, Endlicher W, Alberti M, Bradley G, Ryan C, Simon U & ZumBrunnen C, eds, Urban Ecology: An International Perspective on the Interaction between Humans and Nature. New York: Springer Google Scholar
Latimer, AM, Silander, JA Jr, Gelfand, AE, Rebelo, AG, Richardson, DM (2004) Quantifying threats to biodiversity from invasive alien plants and other factors: a case study from the Cape Floristic region. South Afr J Sci 100:81–86 Google Scholar
Lavergne, S, Molofsky, J (2004) Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) as a biological model in the study of plant invasions. Crit Rev Plant Sci 23:415–429 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lavorel, S, Lebreton, JD, Debussche, M, Lepart, J (1991) Nested spatial patterns in seed bank and vegetation of Mediterranean old-fields. J Veg Sci 2:367–376 Google Scholar
Le Roux, JJ, Geerts, S, Ivey, P, Krauss, S, Richardson, DM, Suda, J, Wilson, JRU (2010) Molecular systematics and ecology of invasive Kangaroo Paws in South Africa: management implications for a horticulturally important genus. Biol. Invasions 12:3989–4002 Google Scholar
Lisci, M, Monte, M, Pacini, E (2003) Lichens and higher plants on stone: a review. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 51:1–17 Google Scholar
Lockwood, JL, Cassey, P, Blackburn, T (2005) The role of propagule pressure in explaining species invasions. Trends Ecol Evol 20:223–228 CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Lodge, DM, Williams, S, MacIsaac, HJ, Hayes, KR, Leung, B, Reichard, S, Mack, RN, Moyle, PB, Smith, M, Andow, DA, Carlton, JT, McMichael, A (2006) Biological invasions: recommendations for US policy and management. Ecol Appl 16:2035–2054 CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Mack, RN (1989) Temperate grasslands vulnerable to plant invasions: characteristics and consequences. Pages 155–179 in Drake JA, Mooney HA, Di Castri F, eds. Biological Invasions: A Global Perspective. Chichester, UK: Wiley Google Scholar
Mack, RN (2000) Cultivation fosters plant naturalization by reducing environmental stochasticity. Biol Invasions 2:111–122 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Maditla, N (2012) City recruits citizens in war against alien plants. Cape Argus, September 18Google Scholar
Mattana, E, Daws, MI, Bacchetta, G (2010) Comparative germination ecology of the endemic Centranthus amazonum (Valerianaceae) and its widespread congener Centranthus ruber . Plant Species Biol 52:165–172 Google Scholar
McDougall, KL, Alexander, J., Haider, S, Pauchard, A, Neville, GW, Kueffer, C (2011) Alien flora of mountains: global comparisons for the development of local preventive measures against plant invasions. Divers Distrib 17:103–111 Google Scholar
Merow, C, Allen, JM, Aiello-Lammens, M, Silander, JA (2016) Improving niche and range estimates with Maxent and point process models by integrating spatially explicit information. Glob Ecol Biogeogr 25:1022–1036 Google Scholar
Mgidi, TN, Le Maitre, DC, Schonegevel, L, Nel, JL, Rouget, M, Richardson, DM (2007) Alien plant invasions—incorporating emerging invaders in regional prioritization: a pragmatic approach for Southern Africa. J Environ Manag 84:173–187 CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Montgomery, K (2012) Mail order plants set off alarm bells. Weekend Argus, September 9Google Scholar
Montgomery, K (2013) Archbishop sets a good weeding example. Weekend Argus, October 16Google Scholar
Moodley, D, Geerts, S, Rebelo, T, Richardson, DM, Wilson, JRU (2014) Site-specific conditions influence plant naturalization: the case of alien Proteaceae in South Africa. Acta Oecologia 59:62–71 Google Scholar
Myers, N, Mittermeier, RA, Mittermeier, CG, da Fonseca, GAB, Kent, J (2000) Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Nature 403:853–858 CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
O’Shea, EM, Kirkpatrick, JB (2000) The impact of suburbanization on remnant coastal vegetation in Hobart, Tasmania. Appl Veg 3:243–252 Google Scholar
Parendes, LA, Jones, JA (2000) Role of light availability and dispersal in exotic plant invasion along roads and streams in the H.J. Andrews experimental forest, Oregon. Conserv Biol 14:64–75 Google Scholar
Parnell, J, Foley, C (2000) Morphological variation in Valerianella (Valerianaceae) in Ireland. Ir Nat J 26:314–321 Google Scholar
Pheloung, PC, Williams, PA, Halloy, SR (1999) A weed risk assessment model for use as a biosecurity tool evaluating plant introductions. J Environ Manag 57:239–251 Google Scholar
PRECIS. (2013) National Herbarium Pretoria (PRE) Computerised Information System. http://posa.sanbi.org/intro_precis.php. Accessed: October 2013Google Scholar
Procheş, S, Wilson, JRU, Richardson, DM, M. R (2012) Native and naturalized range size in Pinus: relative importance of biogeography, introduction effort and species traits. Glob Ecol Biogeogr 21:513–523 Google Scholar
Pyšek, P (1998) Is there a taxonomic pattern to plant invasions? Oikos 82:282–294 Google Scholar
Pyšek, P (2012) Catalogue of alien plants of the Czech Republic (2nd edition): checklist update, taxonomic diversity and invasion patterns. Preslia 84:155–255 Google Scholar
Raloff, J (2003) Cultivating weeds: is your yard a menace to parks and wildlands? Sci News 163:15–18 Google Scholar
Randall, JM (2007) The Introduced Flora of Australia and Its Weed Status. Adelaide, Western Australia: CRC for Australian Weed Management Google Scholar
R Development Core Team (2016) R: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing. Vienna, Austria: R Foundation for Statistical Computing. http:// www.R-project.org. Accessed: January 2016Google Scholar
Reichard, S, Hamilton, CW (1997) Predicting invasions of woody plants introduced into North America. Conserv Biol 11:193–203 Google Scholar
Reichard, SH, White, P (2001) Horticulture as a pathway of invasive plant introductions in the United States. BioScience 51:103–113 Google Scholar
Rejmánek, M (1989) Invasibility of plant communities. Pages 369–389 in Drake JA, Mooney HA, Di Castri F, eds. Biological Invasions: A Global Perspective. Chichester, UK: Wiley Google Scholar
Richardson, DM, Pysek, P, Rejmanek, M, Barbour, MG, Panetta, FD, West, CJ (2000) Naturalization and invasion of alien plants: concepts and definitions. Divers Distrib 6:93–107 Google Scholar
Richardson, DM, Rejmanek, M (2011) Trees and shrubs as invasive alien species—a global review. Divers Distrib 17:788–809 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Richardson, DM, Van Wilgen, BW, Higgins, SI, Trinder-Smith, TH, Cowling, RM, McKelly, DH (1996) Current and future threats to plant biodiversity on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. Biodiv Conserv 5:607–647 Google Scholar
Richardson, IB (1975) A revision of the genus Centrunthus DC. (Valerianaceae). Bot J Linn Soc 71:211–234 Google Scholar
Rodgers, JC, Parker, KC (2003) Distribution of alien plant species in relation to human disturbance on the Georgia Sea Islands. Divers Distrib 9:385–398 Google Scholar
Rouget, M, Richardson, DM, Cowling, RM, Lloyd, JW, Lombard, AT (2003) Current patterns of habitat transformation and future threats to biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems of the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. Biol Conserv 112:63–85 Google Scholar
Starr, F, Starr, K, Loope, L (2003) Centranthus ruber, Red Valerian, Valerianaceae. Maui, Hawai’i: Biological Resources Division Haleakala Field StationGoogle Scholar
Starr, F, Starr, K, Loope, LL (2006) Roadside Survey and Expert Interviews for Selected Plant Species on Maui, Hawaii. Report Prepared for Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Honolulu, HI: United States Fish and Wildlife Service Google Scholar
Thompson, K, Hodgson, JG (1993) Seed size and shape predict persistence in soil. Funct Ecol 7:236–241 Google Scholar
Thonner, F (1915) The Flowering Plants of Africa. An Analytical Key to the Genera of African Phanerogams. London, UK: Dulau & Co CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Thuiller, W, Richardson, DM, Rouget, M, Proches, S, Wilson, JRU (2006) Interactions between environment, species traits, and human uses describe patterns of plant invasions. Ecology 87:1755–1769 Google Scholar
Trinder-Smith, T (2003) The Levyns Guide to the Plant Genera of the Southwestern Cape. Cape Town: Bolus Herbarium, University of Cape Town. P 355 Google Scholar
Van Wilgen, BW, Forsyth, GG, de Klerk, H, Das, S, Khuluse, S, Schmitz, P (2010) Fire management in Mediterranean-climate shrublands: a case study from the Cape fynbos, South Africa. J Appl Ecol 47:631–638 Google Scholar
Wagner, WL, Herbst, DR, Sohmer, SH (1999) Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai’i. Honolulu, HI: University of Hawai’i and Bishop Museum Press Google Scholar
Welch, R (1905) Vegetation on brickwork in Cork. Ir Nat 14:118 Google Scholar
Wells, MJ, Poynton, RJ, Balsinhas, AA, Musil, KJ, Joffe, H, van Hoepen, E, Abbott, SK (1986) The history of introduction of invasive alien plants to southern Africa. Pages 21–35 in Macdonald IAW, Kruger FJ & Ferrar AA, eds, The Ecology and Management of Biological Invasions in Southern Africa. Cape Town: Oxford University Press Google Scholar
Williamson, M (2002) Alien plants in the British Isles. Pages 91--112 in Pimentel D, ed. Biological invasions, economic and environmental costs of alien plant, animal, and microbe species. London: CRC Press Google Scholar
Wilson, J, Rapson, GL, Sykes, MT, Watkins, AJ, Williams, P (1992) Distributions and climatic correlations of some exotic species along roadsides in South Island, New Zealand. J Biogeogr 19:183–193 Google Scholar
Wilson, JRU, Gairifo, C, Gibson, MR, Arianoutsou, M, Bakar, BB, Baret, S, Celesti-Grapow, L, DiTomaso, JM, Dufour-Dror, JM, Kueffer, C, Kull, CA, Hoffmann, JH, Impson, FAC, Loope, LL, Marchante, E, Marchante, H, Moore, JL, Murphy, DJ, Tassin, J, Witt, A, Zenni, RD, Richardson, DM (2011) Risk assessment, eradication, and biological control: global efforts to limit Australian acacia invasions. Divers Distrib 17:1030–1046 Google Scholar
Wilson, JRU, Richardson, DM, Rouget, M, Proches, S, Amis, MA, Henderson, L, Thuiller, W (2007) Residence time and potential range: crucial considerations in modelling plant invasions. Divers Distrib 13:11–22 Google Scholar
Zurell, D, Elith, J, Schröder, B (2012) Predicting to new environments: tools for visualizing model behaviour and impacts on mapped distributions. Divers Distrib 18:628–634 Google Scholar
Supplementary material: File

Geerts et al supplementary material

Geerts et al supplementary material 1

Download Geerts et al supplementary material(File)
File 3.7 MB
Supplementary material: File

Geerts et al supplementary material

Geerts et al supplementary material 2

Download Geerts et al supplementary material(File)
File 76.1 KB