Story by Grace Sibanda
AN alien Lantana Camara plant has become a cause of concern in farming communities outside Bulawayo where it has become a hazard to animals and other plants.
The Lantana Camara is a stubborn evasive alien plant which grows all year round and ravages vegetation and animal life around it.
Kensington area, just outside Bulawayo has been infested by the plant, which is spreading like a veld fire, with farmers struggling to get rid of it.
“It is bad for children and animals as it makes children sick and has killed animals,” said a community member.
“It makes rain unable to reach the vegetation during farming season and it is hard to remove it. We have tried, but it is very stubborn,” said another community member.
Another reiterated, “This tree has also become a hiding area for thieves as it is a huge thicket.”
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Manager, Mrs Sithembisiwe Ndlovu spoke on the need for urgent action to save flora and fauna.
“Where the tree is growing, it colonises the area thus reducing biodiversity within the area. We want to want to work with communities to alert them of the dangers of this plant as many people use it for its ornamental value but it is dangerous to the society,” she said.
The plant has left most farmers in panic mode amid revelations that it is dangerous to livestock if swallowed.
