Fig. 11.2 Examples of alien plant species invading urban areas in South Africa. (a) Acacia saligna
(Port Jackson Willow) and Leptospermum laevigatum (Australian Myrtle) invading a vacant plot in
Fisherhaven, Western Cape (Photograph courtesy of DM Richardson); (b) Ailanthus altissima (Tree
of Heaven) spreading from an ornamental planting in Stellenbosch, Western Cape (Photograph
courtesy of DM Richardson); (c) Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine) causing infrastructural
damage in Wilderness, Western Cape (Photograph courtesy of N Cole); (d) Sesbania punicea
(Red Sesbania) spreading along the Eerste River, Stellenbosch, Western Cape (Photograph courtesy
of DM Richardson); (e) Metrosideros excelsa (New Zealand Christmas Tree) invading fynbos
vegetation in the coastal town of Betty’s Bay, Western Cape from trees planted around houses (seen
in the background) (Photograph courtesy of DM Richardson); (f) Myrtillocactus geometrizans
(Bilberry Cactus) spreading into natural karoo vegetation from a 40-year-old cactus garden near
the town of Prince Albert, Western Cape (Photograph courtesy of SJ Milton)
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