Abstract:
Background: Problem plants and alien invasive weed species are part of today‟s ecological
transformation. Ethnobotanical literature on ecological prominence and ethical values of
problem alien weeds is scant and should be documented to avoid loss of valuable species.
Aim: The study was aimed at documenting problem weeds and alien invasive plant species
considered to be beneficial in deep rural communities.
Materials and method: Purposeful triangulation research methods were used to ensure the
proper gathering of both qualitative and quantitative data sets.
Results and conclusion: Some problem weeds and alien invasive plant species are being
utilized by local people to maintain their livelihood. A total of 78 plant species from 33
families were recorded. These plant species belonged to diverse growth habits, namely:
climbers, herbaceous, succulents, shrubs, trees as well as creepers. Recorded problem
weeds and alien invasive plant species were contributing towards ecological, medicinal and
social values. These included being utilized as a source of food (14), fruits (4), medicinal
(31), ornamentals (7), firewood (3), social (2) and multiple purposes (17). The main utilized
families were Asteraceae (14.1%) and Solanaceae (14.1%). These families were mostly
utilized for the purpose of medicinal and food. Plant species that were widely used are as
follows: Achyrathes aspera L., Agave sisalana L., Amaranthus spinosus L., Anredera
cordifolia L., Canna indica L., Centella asiatica L., Chenopodium album L., Chenopodium
ambrosioides L. and Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King and H. Rob. The dominant
category for problem weeds and alien invasive plant species was 1b (44%) followed by
weeds (35%), category 2 (9%), invaders (5%), category 3 (4%) and 1% for both category 1,
1a as well as X3. The results revealed that the legislative listing of plant species as problem
weeds and alien invasive species was based on single knowledge basis system, rather than
on multi-dimensional knowledge systems. Therefore, this study recommended that for
judgment to be considered in decision-making, it should be based on species-specificity as
well as multi-dimensional-knowledge basis. The reconciliation of inherent grapples among
scientific and indigenous knowledge systems could possibly be underpinned by equal
legislative consideration for the aforementioned knowledge systems especially in the
establishment and implementation of environmental regulations. This could also aid with the
provision to support transformation in South Africa and worldwide.
