Inkberry Cestrum laevigatum
Inkberry is an evergreen shrub or tree generally growing to a height of 1-2m but can reach up to 15m. It is native to Brazil, South America and is classified as a category 1b invasive alien plant in South Africa. It is a spread through seed dispersal and is considered to be a serious habitat transformer. The fruit, leaves and bark contain toxins that are harmful to animals and humans if ingested.
Leaves are dark to light-green, lance shaped, measuring about 150mm long by 50mm wide and emit an unpleasant pungent odour when crushed. This is a good way to identify the plant, particularly if it is not flowering.
Flowers are greenish-yellow, small, tubular and sweet smelling borne in clusters mostly at the tips of branches from October to May. The fruits appear in winter and are greenish berries, (10 mm x 5mm), turning deep purple- black as they ripen.
To eradicate this shrub: Small plants can be foliar sprayed with a suitable herbicide. For larger shrubs or trees apply a herbicide / diesel mix around the base of the trunk to a height of approx. 20cm, or cut low down and apply the herbicide mix to the freshly cut stump.
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