When we visit the bush, a substantial part of the reason we are here is generally to admire the natural splendour, including the associated habitats, biomes, flora and fauna.
We are incredibly lucky to have a space as beautiful and natural as Ingwelala, and we work hard to conserve it and keep it as protected as possible. We can be immensely proud of the natural area we are entrusted to protect and conserve and feel privileged to be a part of such a magnificent and important task.
Although most headline conservation efforts are centred around wildlife and particular species, a larger part of what we are entrusted to do is to ensure the habitat we are in remains as natural as is possible, and is conserved in the long-term, otherwise where would all the fauna we are trying to protect go? Here at Ingwelala, we put enormous focus on the conservation of the biomes, habitats and natural landscape for exactly those reasons, and we are proud to be doing so. We are actively conserving specific habitats, biomes or species with large-scale and focused projects (like the veld rehabilitation projects and invasive plant control on the reserve), but we are also focusing on the “smaller” things that realistically have a massive effect on the greater good (or potential detriment) of the natural area. Although we focus a lot on the “obvious” things, like littering, sometimes it is the seemingly simpler things that can have an even larger effect - like introducing plants to the space around your bungalow.
It may not seem like a huge threat, but there are so many things that can go wrong with introducing any plants into a natural habitat – whether indigenous or invasive. The most obvious of these threats is something we discuss often - the introduction of an invasive species. Although they look pretty, or you may be told they don’t travel or grow much, unfortunately we are in a space where that doesn’t mean much! There are no rules to how plants will or will not grow, what will or will not eat them, or how they will adapt to changing weather conditions. There are guidelines or “rules of thumb”, but those are not concrete or reliable. All it takes is one. One invasive plant combined with one animal feeding on it, or one strong downpour of rain, and that one plant may potentially become ten. Those ten will grow to become 100, and then 1,000 - and so the trend will continue. It is inevitable and is probably part of the reason there are so many invasive plants that can be found within populated areas of natural habitats!
The other side of the same coin, though, is that often we don’t realise that a plant isn’t indigenous to an area or may be an invasive species. So even if we think we are doing the correct thing, it is so important - absolutely crucial - to double-check what you are introducing into your space! Not just with the nursery or supplier, but with the people on the ground where you intend to introduce that plant. Invasive plants have the ability to completely outcompete native species in any area, and unfortunately that means not only are the plants affected, but every living organism associated with that biome, habitat, area or plant species - from the large herbivores down to the microorganisms in the soil could be affected, and that would cause a cascading effect that may take many, many years of intervention to fully reverse, if fully rehabilitating that area is even a possibility anymore.
Conservationists have spent countless hours undoing what others have done - removing thousands of invasive plants - that no doubt started as a handful, which were passed from one to another for their aesthetics or spread by the elements or creatures. It is crucial that we pay attention, because if we do not, we will fight a never-ending battle that simply cannot be undone in any lifespan. Examples in real-time, on the ground, include Agaves and Sisals, Queen of the Night cacti, Prickly Pears, Rope Cacti, Elephant’s Ears and Chandelier Plants.
Outside of just the bigger picture of an invasive species, there are also various other factors to consider when introducing any plant to a natural area – even indigenous species. When any plant is introduced into an area, it is most likely carrying a host of other organisms with it. These can be anything from microscopic bacteria, algae or fungi, to insects, spiders and pests. Further, each of these organisms has the potential to carry further pests, diseases, microorganisms or even viruses. Bringing in a plant can bring an entire, population-ending pest with it, and both indigenous and invasive species are capable of harbouring harmful organisms. Remember, even indigenous species may be infested with alien pests that you may be unaware of.
The Shot-hole Borer Beetle, which shows almost no visible signs of being in a tree until it is too late, is a prime example of an invasive pest that is being moved unintentionally by humans. The current infestations of this tiny insect pose a threat to the entirety of southern Africa’s tree populations! These borer beetles have infested over 130 tree species in South Africa, including most of our most prominent large tree species, and introduce a fungus that slowly kills the trees. Such an introduction could be catastrophic locally but can be avoided with the appropriate care.
The general rule-of-thumb is that plants should be sourced locally, within a 50km radius of where you want to introduce them. Plants have evolved genetically under local conditions, and as such will have a higher chance of survival if relocated locally. There will also be less genetic impact on the endemic population by introducing a plant that is already evolved to the area. Plants may have a lower survival rate when moved across large distances, to varying altitudes or climates, or sometimes even if orientated in a different way to the sun or polar relativity to what they were. Although this seems odd, it is particularly prominent with cycads, impala and kudu lilies, and even certain tree species. By sourcing locally, plants will also be less likely to be carrying foreign or unknown pests such as borer beetles. In general, it is always best to stick to endemic species, sourced locally, and always verify that a species is indigenous and/or endemic before bringing it in. Invasive species should be avoided at all costs!
Further, considering our ultimate goal is the conservation of the natural habitat, it is vital that we are selective about why and where we are introducing new plants, so that we are not going outside of the natural “scope” of the habitat and what it needs or requires. Indigenous plants, particularly locally sourced, are the least risky to introduce (although there is always still risk attached!), but it is still important that this is checked thoroughly and correctly authorised, so that the risk can be assessed and the necessity of introduction carefully calculated.
As per our Use Agreement and the Building Regulations, no plants may be introduced to or removed from Ingwelala without the consent and authority of Management and the approval of neighbours and the Building Committee.
Please, if you want to bring anything in - check with us first!
Words by Tess Woollgar. Image courtesy of Pixabay