The threat of an indigenous medicinal plant encroacher: Artemisia afra in Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Johannesburg, South Africa. (26th August 2022)
- Record Type:
- Journal Article
- Title:
- The threat of an indigenous medicinal plant encroacher: Artemisia afra in Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Johannesburg, South Africa. (26th August 2022)
- Main Title:
- The threat of an indigenous medicinal plant encroacher: Artemisia afra in Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Authors:
- Setshedi, Kgalalelo T. A.
Newete, Solomon W.
Witkowski, Ed T. F. - Abstract:
- Abstract: Artemisia afra was identified as an encroaching shrub in the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve (KNR). Ecological factors that influence the encroachment of A. afra and its population structure were unknown, making it difficult to monitor and control the spread of the plant. This study assessed the density and size‐class distributions (SCD) of A. afra across the main habitats in the KNR (streamside, plains and ridges, with ridges divided into crest, mid‐slope and bottom slope), as well as the relationship between A. afra density and certain ecological factors. Results showed that there was a significant difference ( p < 0.05) between plant density on the different habitats with the ridge and bottom slope having by far the highest density (>900 plants/ha). Canopy volume was considered the best measure for the SCD of A. afra . Overall, the population structure of A. afra displayed an inverse J‐shaped curve, indicating that despite clearing efforts and the drought of 2015–2016, it is effectively a recruiting population. Over 71% of the A. afra population were flowering, suggesting relatively rapid attainment of reproductive maturity, and high seed production. Hence, the high levels of encroachment are likely to continue. Further research on controlling A. afra with the integrated use of more intense winter fires, herbicides and the feasibility of sustainable harvesting of this medicinal plant should be undertaken. We also need a much better understanding of theAbstract: Artemisia afra was identified as an encroaching shrub in the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve (KNR). Ecological factors that influence the encroachment of A. afra and its population structure were unknown, making it difficult to monitor and control the spread of the plant. This study assessed the density and size‐class distributions (SCD) of A. afra across the main habitats in the KNR (streamside, plains and ridges, with ridges divided into crest, mid‐slope and bottom slope), as well as the relationship between A. afra density and certain ecological factors. Results showed that there was a significant difference ( p < 0.05) between plant density on the different habitats with the ridge and bottom slope having by far the highest density (>900 plants/ha). Canopy volume was considered the best measure for the SCD of A. afra . Overall, the population structure of A. afra displayed an inverse J‐shaped curve, indicating that despite clearing efforts and the drought of 2015–2016, it is effectively a recruiting population. Over 71% of the A. afra population were flowering, suggesting relatively rapid attainment of reproductive maturity, and high seed production. Hence, the high levels of encroachment are likely to continue. Further research on controlling A. afra with the integrated use of more intense winter fires, herbicides and the feasibility of sustainable harvesting of this medicinal plant should be undertaken. We also need a much better understanding of the regeneration ecology of A. afra in order to better control it. Résumé: L'Artemisia afra a été identifiée comme un arbuste envahissant poussant au sein de la réserve naturelle de Klipriviersberg (KNR). Les facteurs écologiques qui influencent l'invasion d'A. afra et la structure de sa population étaient inconnus, ce qui compliquait le suivi et le contrôle de la propagation de cette plante. Cette étude a évalué la densité et la répartition des catégories de tailles (RCT) de l'A. afra au sein des principaux habitats situés dans la KNR (rives, plaines et chaînes de collines composées de segments de crêtes, de mi‐pente et de pente inférieure), ainsi que la relation entre la densité de l'A. afra et certains facteurs écologiques. Les résultats ont démontré une différence significative (p < 0, 05) entre les densités des arbustes situés au sein des divers habitats, la densité la plus élevée (> 900 plantes/ha) ayant été largement constatée sur les segments de la crête et de la pente inférieure (> 900 plantes/ha). Le volume de la canopée était considéré comme étant l'outil de mesure de la RCT de l'A. afra le plus performant. Dans l'ensemble, la structure de la population d'A. afra a suivi une courbe en forme de J inversé, indiquant que malgré les efforts de défrichage et la sécheresse de 2015‐2016, il s'agissait effectivement d'une population en recrutement. Plus de 71 % de la population de l'A. afra était en cours de floraison, ce qui suggère une atteinte relativement rapide de la maturité reproductive et une production élevée de graines. Par conséquent, des invasions à grande échelle sont susceptibles de se poursuivre. Des recherches complémentaires portant sur la maîtrise de l'A. Afra et s'appuyant sur l'utilisation intégrée de données sur les incendies hivernaux plus intenses, les herbicides et la faisabilité d'une récolte durable de cette plante médicinale doivent être entreprises. Nous avons également besoin d'une bien meilleure compréhension de l'écologie de la régénération de l'A. afra afin de mieux la maîtriser. … (more)
- Is Part Of:
- African journal of ecology. Volume 60:Number 4(2022)
- Journal:
- African journal of ecology
- Issue:
- Volume 60:Number 4(2022)
- Issue Display:
- Volume 60, Issue 4 (2022)
- Year:
- 2022
- Volume:
- 60
- Issue:
- 4
- Issue Sort Value:
- 2022-0060-0004-0000
- Page Start:
- 1133
- Page End:
- 1142
- Publication Date:
- 2022-08-26
- Subjects:
- Artemisia afra -- ecological factors -- encroachment -- medicinal plants -- plant density -- population structure
Zoology -- Africa -- Periodicals
Ecology -- Africa -- Periodicals
Wildlife management -- Africa -- Periodicals
Zoology -- Africa, East -- Periodicals
Ecology -- Africa, East -- Periodicals
Wildlife management -- Africa, East -- Periodicals
577 - Journal URLs:
- http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1365-2028 ↗
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ ↗ - DOI:
- 10.1111/aje.13057 ↗
- Languages:
- English
- ISSNs:
- 0141-6707
- Deposit Type:
- Legaldeposit
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- Available online (eLD content is only available in our Reading Rooms) ↗
- Physical Locations:
- British Library DSC - 0732.519000
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British Library HMNTS - ELD Digital store - Ingest File:
- 24424.xml