Poison plant at homes warning

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THE award-winning researcher who discovered the poisonous cactus rosea weed that is wreaking havoc in Matabeleland South has warned that some households, including some in Bulawayo, are cultivating it as a flower.

THE award-winning researcher who discovered the poisonous cactus rosea weed that is wreaking havoc in Matabeleland South has warned that some households, including some in Bulawayo, are cultivating it as a flower.

NQOBILE BHEBHE CHIEF REPORTER

A more poisonous species has been detected at the Matopos National Park.

Buhle Francis, a National University of Science and Technology (Nust) lecturer was recently credited by the National Assembly for her role in shedding light on the plant that has killed livestock in Matabeleland South.

A headman has reportedly been hospitalised for over two months and several other villagers fell sick after coming into contact with the plant also known as opuntia fulgida or umloyi in Ndebele.

Francis has won international awards for researching on the invasive weed that has spread over 3 000 hectares in Matabeleland South.

She told Southern Eye in an exclusive interview yesterday that scores of people were importing the weed into their homes in Bulawayo oblivious of the danger it poses.

Francis said four deadly species of the poisonous plant had also been discovered at the Matopos National Park.

The exotic weed originated from South America.

“Currently, we are talking about the opuntia fulgida in Matabeleland South. There is a more deadly species in the Matopos National Park,” she said.

“Of the four species, opuntia aurantiaca is more deadly. My worry is that the park is a national heritage site.

“A team of scientists is due to move in (at Matopos National Park) and carry extensive research. There could be more species, but four are currently known.”

Francis said some of the species are opuntia robusta, opunta aurantiaca and opuntia engelma.

She expressed concern that the poisonous plant was being grown by some residents in Hillside along Matopos Road as an ornamental garden plant.

Francis said each time she had tried visiting the properties where the plant has been sighted to raise awareness with the owners, only the gardeners would be available and they had never contacted her.

The poisonous opuntia fulgida, which is now known in the scientific community as cylindopunta fulgida varfulgida is wreaking havoc in Matabeleland South province.

The plant is rapidly spreading in the province and there is a high risk that it could spread to other parts of the country.

In Matabeleland South, the Environmental Management Agency says it needs about $2,5 million to eradicate it.

The most affected districts include Beitbridge, Gwanda, Insiza, Bulilima, Mangwe and Matobo.