6.7.3.2 Introduced Flora Species Introduced flora species were generally restricted to the eastern half of the project area, with the most abundant weed populations noted adjacent to and within the unnamed mine spoil dump adjacent to the Open Cut Pit. Eight of the introduced flora species observed within the project area are considered restricted matter flora species under the Biosecurity Act. These species included: Lantana camara (creeping Lantana), Cenchrus setaceus (fountain grass), Harrisia martinii (Martin apple cactus), Tecoma stans (yellow bells), Sporobolus natalensis (giant rats tail grass), Opuntia tomentosa (velvety tree pear), Cryptostegia grandiflora (rubber vine) and Lantana camara (Lantana). The latter three species are also considered Weeds of National Significance (WoNS). Each species is further discussed in Table 46. Table 46. Restricted matters and WoNs occurring in the project area
Name
Biosecurity Act
WoNS
Field Observation
Cenchrus setaceus (fountain grass)
Category 3
No
This species was the most abundant restricted matter in the project area. Where present, the species was generally observed as the dominant ground cover, occasionally creating dense homogenous swards. The species was most abundant in the south – south eastern extents of the project area, but was noted else where on site as isolated tussocks along road verges. The species generally presented as mature, healthy individuals with evidence of active or recent reproduction (seed heads). This species was noted at three locations within the project area. The species was only noted as isolated, young recruiting individuals This species was noted at four locations across the eastern extent of the project area. At all locations the species was observed as solitary individuals. All individuals presented as healthy, with two currently in fruit. This species was noted across the eastern half of the project area and was the second most abundant restricted matter observed during field surveys. The species varied in density from isolated shrubs to dense thickets, with the latter frequently noted to have grown over and smothered local vegetation. Most larger individuals were considered healthy, with extensive with flower and seed. This species was generally observed from disjunct locations along and adjacent to the artificial flat in the eastern extent of the project area. Where noted the species presented as frequent clusters to dense lying mats, often growing over local vegetation. In all instances the species presented as health, with frequent flowering noted. This species was noted at multiple locations across the eastern half of the project area. The species was always observed as solitary individuals varying in height from 0.3 – 1.5 m. All individuals presented as healthy, but were not noted to be reproductively active This species was noted as a handful of individuals in the southern extent of the project area. The individuals appeared healthy, with most presenting seed heads
Cryptostegia grandiflora (rubber vine) Harrisia martini (Martin apple cactus)
Category 3
Yes
Category 3
No
Lantana camara (Lantana)
Category 3
Yes
Lantana montevidensis
Category 3
No
(creeping Lantana)
Opuntia tomentosa (velvety tree pear) Sporobolus natalensis (giant rats tail grass)
Category 3
Yes
Category 3
No
Project number: 25B061
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