A Report On Me Invasive Status Of Pinus Patula On Mount Mulanje, Mala Wi.

G.A Verboom 51 PAGES (14097 WORDS) Geology Thesis

Natural regeneration of the Mexican weeping pine Pinus patula on Mt. Mulanje was investigated and found to represent a serious threat to the natural vegetation, with  the invasion already advanced on the north eastern plateaux. Various aspects of the biology of the pine are related to its success as an exotic invader on the mountain. 

Perhaps most important is the ability of the species to cope with fire, and the role of  regular fires in enhancing the invasion. Urgent action is needed to halt the pine, if the Mulanje is to be maintained in a pristii).e state. To this end, fire-mediated eradication measures, based on work done in the western Cape, are recommended. 

A crude estimate of the costs of implementation of this programme is provided: