Biome (a region with few native tree species) to provide ES which could not be
provided by the native flora. However, many introduced tree taxa such as Australian
acacias, hakeas and pines became invasive, threatening the delivery of ES (van
Wilgen et al. 2008; van Wilgen and Richardson 2012; Le Maitre et al. 2020,
Chap. 15; Zengeya et al. 2020, Chap. 17) and creating a novel suite of EDS such
as increased safety and security risks (Potgieter et al. 2018, 2019b; Supplementary
Appendix 11.1).
11.3.1 Ecosystem Services
Plants South Africa presents a unique case study in that some urban centres are
located within areas that are depauperate in native trees (e.g. Cape Town situated
within the CFR and Johannesburg on the Highveld) (Rundel et al. 2014). The
introduction of alien species to these urban centres (and subsequent proliferation
into surrounding natural areas) provided a novel suite of ES and as a result, urban
residents have forged new relationships with such species (Box 11.1).
Box 11.1 Key Ecosystem Services Provided by Invasive Plants in Urban
South Africa
Provisioning services: Shackleton et al. (2017) show that harvesting of native
and alien plant species (e.g. providing foods, medicines, and materials) is a
widespread practice in urban, suburban and peri-urban landscapes globally.
Many invasive alien trees are an important source of firewood for urban
residents in South Africa, particularly in low-income areas (figure below). For
example, in Cape Town, there are relatively few widespread native tree species
available as a source of firewood, and many residents utilise invasive alien
shrubs and trees for these purposes, including Acacia cyclops (Rooikrans),
A. mearnsii (Black Wattle), A. saligna (Port Jackson Willow), Eucalyptus
species (eucalypts) and Pinus species (pines) (Gaertner et al. 2016; Potgieter
et al. 2018).
(continued)
11 Biological Invasions in South Africa’s Urban Ecosystems
285
provided by the native flora. However, many introduced tree taxa such as Australian
acacias, hakeas and pines became invasive, threatening the delivery of ES (van
Wilgen et al. 2008; van Wilgen and Richardson 2012; Le Maitre et al. 2020,
Chap. 15; Zengeya et al. 2020, Chap. 17) and creating a novel suite of EDS such
as increased safety and security risks (Potgieter et al. 2018, 2019b; Supplementary
Appendix 11.1).
11.3.1 Ecosystem Services
Plants South Africa presents a unique case study in that some urban centres are
located within areas that are depauperate in native trees (e.g. Cape Town situated
within the CFR and Johannesburg on the Highveld) (Rundel et al. 2014). The
introduction of alien species to these urban centres (and subsequent proliferation
into surrounding natural areas) provided a novel suite of ES and as a result, urban
residents have forged new relationships with such species (Box 11.1).
Box 11.1 Key Ecosystem Services Provided by Invasive Plants in Urban
South Africa
Provisioning services: Shackleton et al. (2017) show that harvesting of native
and alien plant species (e.g. providing foods, medicines, and materials) is a
widespread practice in urban, suburban and peri-urban landscapes globally.
Many invasive alien trees are an important source of firewood for urban
residents in South Africa, particularly in low-income areas (figure below). For
example, in Cape Town, there are relatively few widespread native tree species
available as a source of firewood, and many residents utilise invasive alien
shrubs and trees for these purposes, including Acacia cyclops (Rooikrans),
A. mearnsii (Black Wattle), A. saligna (Port Jackson Willow), Eucalyptus
species (eucalypts) and Pinus species (pines) (Gaertner et al. 2016; Potgieter
et al. 2018).
(continued)
11 Biological Invasions in South Africa’s Urban Ecosystems
285