Wetland Gem: Typha capensis

Most of us will be familiar with what we all know as a Bulrush or Cattail. The Typha capensis is a standout plant in the wetlands of Gauteng. It’s secret? Special adaptations make it thrive in waterlogged conditions.

Air-filled tissues (aerenchyma) in the stems and roots help it to breathe in low-oxygen soils. Spongy roots anchor the plant and store nutrients and rhizomes spread and stabilize the plant in wet areas. These traits make Typha capensis a vital part of wetland ecosystems, providing habitat and helping maintain water quality.

Invasive alert: Imperata cylindrica

As pretty as this plant is, Imperata cylindrica, also known as Congograss or cotton wool grass, is an aggressive invader in wetlands. It loves poorly drained wet soil which is why you will see it mostly at riverbanks, vleis and wetlands but it’s also very happy in high-rainfall grasslands.

It outcompetes native flora, forming dense stands which choke out local plants, reducing biodiversity, altering ecosystems, changing fire regimes and nutrient cycles and threatening natural habitats.

It is a declared invasive species in South Africa and ranks tenth on the list of worst weeds in the world so if you see it report it and remove it!