Alien Invasives

03 October 2016

Other names

Persian Lilac, Cape Lilac, China Berry, China Tree, White Cedar, Bead Tree (English)
Maksering, Sering, Bessieboom (Afrikaans)
umsilinga (isiZulu)

Invasive status

NEMBA Category 1b (Category 3 in urban areas)
CARA 2002 Category 3

Description

The Seringa tree is a very well-known, large (25m), deciduous tree with smooth reddish-brown bark that becomes smothered in highly scented purple-mauve flowers in spring. The flowers are followed by clusters of green berries that turn yellow and wrinkle as they ripen.
The leaves, bark, flowers and ripe fruits are poisonous to most animals, however some birds eat the fruit.

Originally from

South America

Where is it a problem?

Throughout South Africa

How does it spread?

Fruits are spread by birds, other animals, water and human activities

Why is it a problem?

Dense copses can form quickly along watercourses and often affect water flow. Effective seed dispersal by water enables this species to invade protected areas far from the parent plant.

Planting alternatives

Mountain Seringa (Kirkia wilmsii), White Seringa (Kirkia acuminata), Cape Chestnut (Calodendrum capense), Pompom Tree (Dais cotinifolia), Lowveld Chestnut (Sterculia murex), Lavender Tree (Heteropyxis natalensis)

Uses

Ornamental tree in gardens