On 4 February 2010 this year, Mr Braam Basson of the Forestry Department was invited to give a talk on alien plants and invaders in the Karoo to the Aberdeen Garden Club. He was at that time advised of the 'Suigdoring' or Thistle Cholla which is a rapidly expanding alien cactus in the Aberdeen area and which is extremely harmful to both domestic and wild animals in the Karoo.
This month April 2010, Mr Basson returned to Aberdeen with three inmates from the Graaff-Reinet Correctional Services who are in the process of performing community service. Mr Johnny Moorman, Mr Johannes Afrika and Mr Romeo Bostaander were helpful in removing a truck load of 'Suigdoring' which is rapidly spreading over the Aberdeen golf course. Mr Basson is hoping to return soon with possible assistance from those doing community service in Aberdeen, so that more time can be spent on the task and not on the traveling to and from Graaff-Reinet.
Mrs Zan Fitzhenry of Aberdeen has been the instigator in the removal of this rapidly spreading cactus. She has been in contact with Ms Barbara Mashope of SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute with regard to their 'Early Detection Programme', but, to date, no assistance has been forthcoming. She is therefore very grateful for the assistance of Mr Mike Manak, Head of the Correctional Services in Graaff-Reinet and to Mr Braam Basson of the Forestry Department.
Mrs Zan Fitzhenry of Aberdeen has been the instigator in the removal of this rapidly spreading cactus. She has been in contact with Ms Barbara Mashope of SANBI South African National Biodiversity Institute with regard to their 'Early Detection Programme', but, to date, no assistance has been forthcoming. She is therefore very grateful for the assistance of Mr Mike Manak, Head of the Correctional Services in Graaff-Reinet and to Mr Braam Basson of the Forestry Department.
Article By: Joan Tinker