The pom pom weed (Campuloclinium macrocephalum) was introduced into SA from Brazil as an ‘ornamental flower’, but spread into the wild in the early 1970s. It has since established itself rapidly in KZN, Free State, Gauteng and Limpopo. The plant, which grows 1,5m high, spreads easily by seed, but can also regenerate from rhizomes. Once established, it causes serious degradation of the veld, as its roots produce enzymes which prevent natural grazing grasses from growing properly.
