The flowers of the pompom weed (Campuloclinium macrocephalum) flowering all over the Highveld at the moment, may be pretty, but this alien species from South America poses a huge threat to South Africa’s endangered grasslands.

We have reported on this in our Newsletters a number of times and have given advice on getting rid of these plants. Some properties may only have one or two plants at the moment, and these need to be removed before they rapidly multiply. If not, herbicides to destroy these plants may cost you a small fortune.

Residents should please take responsibility for this problem on their own properties. Remember that this is a Category 1 invader plant, and the law requires that it be destroyed.

Some do’s and don’ts:

• Digging out the plant is not effective, as little roots or rhizomes may be left behind which will form a new plant and/or stimulate growth.
• The best time to destroy the pompom is autumn, as this is the time when the plant starts storing nutrients in its rhizomes for winter. The roots will then absorb any herbicide.
• Use recommended herbicides and mixtures, such as 2,4-D, Access 240 (recommended by the Agricultural Research Council) and Brush-off (contact Jaco Loots on 082 807 6006 or Anthonie Buys on 082 565 5603). Follow instructions carefully with regard to safety, as these herbicides are toxic.
• Do not spray herbicides in windy conditions, when the temperature exceeds 28 C, when there is dew on the leaves or if rain is likely within two hours after spraying.
• Cut and burn flowers of the plant to prevent spreading seeds – do not throw it onto the compost heap.
• Do not cut flowers for your vase at home (somebody was spotted doing this on the Ventersdorp road)!
• Do not acquire an attitude of ignoring these plants on your property, just because your neigbours or the provincial authorities do not destroy the many pompons on their properties or along the roads, and you are therefore fighting a losing battle anyway!