Verbesina encelioides var. encelioides

Zietsman, P. C. & Zietsman, L. E., 2019, Floristic diversity at Kolomela mine on the Ghaap Plateau, Postmasburg, Northern Cape Province, Indago 35, pp. 1-33 : 12

Verbesina encelioides var. encelioides

(Golden Crownbeard, Figs 18a & b ),

a native to the south-western United States and Mexico, has not yet reached invader status in South Africa but is already presenting problems in disturbed sandy areas (P.C. Zietsman pers. obs.). It aggressively invades disturbed areas in the drier parts of the country and being a pioneer plant, it prevents natural sucession. Waste rock dumps, road reserves and areas that are being rehabilitated are exceptionally vulnerable to invasion by this species. As rehabilitation of, especially, waste rock dumps is very important to Kolomela and all other mining companies in the Ghaap Plateau, this species will have a significant impact on the success of rehabilitation activities.

Figures

Figure 18. Verbesina encelioides var. encelioides Golden Crownbeard, (a) & (b) has an attractive sunflower-like inflorescence.