The 21st Century Oxalis pes-caprae

Post by **MWP admin** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:03 pm

I think that something must be done to contol the active and rapid spread of Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium) in our country before it is too late andwe would have the Oxalis pes-caprae effect in few decades time in our valleys. Fortunately it is not prone to spread on garigues.

I seen one potted-plant in a farmhouse above this valley (was it the source?) of M'Forn. When I arrived down the valley bed, it was full of Nasturtium. I walked 1km along and could still see scattered plants here and there.

The pics speaks for themselves.

The seeds are able to float in water and germinates readily a soon as they touch ground when the temp gets warmer (typ February).

Hope there are no more fans of this plant regarding its spread in valleys.

RB · Post by RB » Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:24 pm

That's a lot certainly. However (not to try to make a point or anything) again this seems to be very much taking over disturbed land, again, land in close proximity to human activities which therefore suppress the natural vegetation and allow such species to multiply.

Let's hope so anyway. Consolation, it is easy to control this, no perennial root structures and oftentimes a single plant covers a large area so the problem is smaller than it appears to be.

RB

Post by **MWP admin** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:53 pm

Yes, it may need labour work for a week, for 3-5 consecutive years in case some seeds are still viable. The fact it does not form bulbs is a good factor compared to Oxalis.

What worries me was not the populations at that putrid water in the 3rd photo (pollution in action

) but the fact that it is carried away into the heart of the countryside (where the valley was smaller, a humble spring I would say) 1km or so from the source and would take over there and propgate further in.

Well I posted this to make authoriteis aware what's happening in certain valleys perhaps they deem tha action should be taken.

D. Cilia · Post by **D. Cilia** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:57 pm

The first picture is immensely ironic and almost ominous. Tropaeolum, Oxalis and Ricinus all within a few metres of each other!

IL-PINE · Post by **IL-PINE** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:33 pm

at least we can eat it

Glimbo · Post by **Glimbo** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:35 pm

best get munching then folks

g

Conchiolin · Post by **Conchiolin** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 7:52 pm

Guys we're not controlling these plants we are aiding them to disperse. They are being planted as ornamentals in roundabouts etc!!!!

Glimbo · Post by **Glimbo** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:31 pm

I suppose that makes for cheaper maintenance, but shows a distinct lack of foresight or understanding of the environment.

Here's an interesting link - again from Wikipedia -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasive_plant

Environment nil: Tropaeolum 10 !

g

RB · Post by RB » Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:06 am

Now here's what I call seriously invasive - the upper part of Wied Babu is smothered. Produces plenty of viable seed, too.

RB

Glimbo · Post by **Glimbo** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:23 am

What's that......Clematis cirrhosa ?

aaaaargh!

g

IL-PINE · Post by **IL-PINE** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:29 am

yes noticed that Sapindaceae thing growing. If it is attacking Wied Babu it is serious trouble.....

RB · Post by RB » Fri Jan 25, 2008 4:23 pm

Not clematis, no idea species, Pine may have it better. Yes the upper part of Wied Babu has a very large area of trees that is completely smothered with this stuff.

RB

Post by **MWP admin** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:01 pm

It is Cardiospermum (should be C. halicacabum but not sure from this photo). Another vine-like invasive which grows, climbs and covers

At the moment I dont think it is found in many sites

Well mentioned RB