Page 25 - State of Biodiversity 2018/19
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NEW ALIEN PLANT ALERT IN ETHEKWINI: DIANELLA SP. (FLAX LILIES)
Flax lilies are monocotyledonous plants from the Dianella genus that are popular in horticulture. Most species are indigenous toAustralasia,but some have a wider distribution, including southeast Asia. Naturalised populations of a Dianella shrub were recently detected in nature reserves in the eThekwini region.The Biological Invasions Directorate in SANBI9 is assessing this species and would appreciate sighting reports.
Plant characteristics to look out for:
• Shrub <2m with green strap like leaves (A)
• Panicle of small white or lilac flowers with conspicuous yellow anthers (B), produced in spring
• Green, fleshy berries (C) produced in summer, which change to various shades of purple when ripe and eaten by birds
9. SANBI is mandated to conserve South Africa’s rich biodiversity. Its Biological Invasions Directorate (BID) aims to reduce the threat of biological invasions through detection, identification, assessment and management of invasive species that may be contained or eradicated.
A
B
C
Localities or residents may be reported to Reshnee Lalla (r.lalla@sanbi.org.za or invasivespecies@sanbi.org.za)
STATE OF BIODIVERSITY REPORT 2018/2019
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