Aliens

Invasive, non indigenous plants, or aliens, are one of the greatest threats to the Cape fynbos. These plants can disrupt the ecology of the natural ecosystem, displacing indigenous plant and animal species.
Aggressive invaders reduce the amount of light, water, nutrients and space available to native species.

One of the first tasks we set ourselves when we took over the management of Mattaponi was to begin clearing as much of the alien vegetation as we possibly could. We have successfully cleared virtually all but the most vigorous and invasive species.

The most troublesome alien species in this area are:

New Zealand Christmas Tree (Metrosideros excelsa)
Australian cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum)

Control
Initially we cut every specimen right down to the ground but the success of these species is down to vigorous root systems and very effective seed dispersal. Consequently most of what we cut back re-grew and seedlings from trees on neighbouring properties began appearing everywhere.
We control the seedlings by pulling them out as soon as we see them but for larger specimens we have had to resort to the controlled use of systemic herbicides. Namely Confront and Ecoplug.