Wandering Jew, Tradescantia
Three types of Tradescantia are commonly found in gardens and all are classified as 1b invasive alien plants. They are native to South and Central America and were brought into South Africa, as they are attractive and hardy ground covers. However they have escaped cultivation and are invading forests, stream banks and other moist and shaded areas where they form thick mats of vegetation that outcompete indigenous plants, transforming local habitats.
They spread quickly as the stems, and stem fragments can easily root, even when disposed of in garden refuse and where infestations grow near water, stem fragments may be carried down- stream where they have the potential to root and begin new infestations.
Tradescantia zebrina has distinctive blue-green leaves with 2 silver bands above and purple below.
.Tradescantia fluminensis has shiny, dark green leaves and small white flowers with 3 petals appearing in summer.
.Tradescantia pallida Purple heart has succulent stems and purple pointed leaves with pink flowers appearing in summer.
To eradicate this ground cover: hand pulling is recommended however, care must be taken to ensure all fragments of stem are removed from the soil to prevent regrowth. The sap from the Purple heart may irritate the skin so gloves are recommended. Large infestations can be foliar sprayed with a suitable herbicide.
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