Photo courtesy of Errol Dowes
Sword Fern Nephrolepis cordifolia
This hardy, evergreen fern is a popular garden plant in South Africa, but has been declared a Category 1b invader in a number of provinces, including Kwa-Zulu Natal. It has escaped cultivation and has invaded swamp forests, coastal vegetation and forest margins.It has the potential to spread rapidly and to form dense infestations that outcompete and replace indigenous vegetation, thereby transforming natural habitats.
It growsup to 1m high, has no flowers, fruits or seeds but forms extensive colonies by means of spores and ball shaped tubers (underground runners).
To eradicate this plant: The plant is difficult to eradicate because of the underground tubers and there are no registered herbicides available. The best way is to pull out the plant and do regular follow-ups, ensuring that all the ball shaped tubers have been removed so that the plant does not regrow. Place the tubers and roots in a black plastic bag and allow to rot in the sun – if they are left on the compost heap, they will regrow.
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