Scientific name

Cestrum laevigatum Schltdl.

Synonyms

Cestrum axillare Vell.; Cestrum bella-sombra Dunal; Cestrum foetidissimum Dunal; Cestrum multiflorum Schott ex Sendt.; Cestrum pendulinum Dunal

Common names

Inkberry, Chilean cestrum

Family

Solanaceae

Origin

South America (Brazil, Paraguay, Ecuador, Argentina)

Naturalised distribution (global)

Locations within which Cestrum laevigatum is naturalised include South America and southern and eastern Africa.

Introduced, naturalised or invasive in East Africa

Cestrum laevigatum is invasive in parts of Kenya and it has been introduced to Tanzania and Uganda (A.B.R. Witt pers. obs.).

Habitat

Cestrum laevigatum occurs in a wide range of habitats in coastal and inland regions, in riparian zones (banks of watercourses), riverbanks and urban open spaces.

Description

Cestrum laevigatum is a much branched shrub or tree growing to a height ranging from 1 - 16 metres.

Leaves are dark to light-green; measuring about 5cm wide and are easily bruised, emitting an unpleasant pungent odour.

Flowers are greenish-yellow, small, tubular, sweet smelling flowers, 5-25 mm long and are borne in clusters mostly at the tips of branches. the fruit is a greenish berry, (10 mm x 5mm), turning deep purple-black as they ripen.

Reproduction and dispersal

Cestrum laevigatum reproduces by seed.

Economic and other uses

Cestrum laevigatum was introduced to Africa for ornamental purposes. It also forms good hedge. However, these uses cannot compensate for this plant's overall negative impacts.

Environmental and other impacts

The whole plant is poisonous and can affect livestock and wild animals if ingested. This species is considered to be a potential ecosystem transformer (Henderson 2001). It has been listed as a noxious weed in South Africa (prohibited plants that must be controlled. They serve no economic purpose and possess characteristics that are harmful to humans, animals or the environment).

Management

The precise management measures adopted for any plant invasion will depend upon factors such as the terrain, the cost and availability of labour, the severity of the infestation and the presence of other invasive species. Some components of an integrated management approach are introduced below.

The best form of invasive species management is prevention. If prevention is no longer possible, it is best to treat the weed infestations when they are small to prevent them from establishing (early detection and rapid response). Controlling the weed before it seeds will reduce future problems. Control is generally best applied to the least infested areas before dense infestations are tackled. Consistent follow-up work is required for sustainable management.

Mature Cestrum laevigatum plants can be killed by applying concentrate suitable herbicide to stumps cut 10 cm above ground level. When using any herbicide always read the label first and follow all instructions and safety requirements. If in doubt consult an expert.

The editors could find no information on the prospects for biological control of this species.

Legislation

Not listed as a noxious weed by the state or governments in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

References

Henderson, L. (2001).  Alien weeds and invasive plants. A complete guide to declared weeds and invaders in South Africa.  Plant Protection Research Institute Handbook No. 12, 300pp. PPR, ARC South Africa.

Kellerman, T.S., Coetzer, J.A.W., Naude, T.W. and Botha, C.J. (2005). Plant Poisonings and mycotoxicoses of livestock in southern Africa. Oxford University Press.

Editors

Agnes Lusweti, National Museums of Kenya; Emily Wabuyele, National Museums of Kenya, Paul Ssegawa, Makerere University; John Mauremootoo, BioNET-INTERNATIONAL Secretariat - UK.

Acknowledgments

This fact sheet is adapted from The Environmental Weeds of Australia by Sheldon Navie and Steve Adkins, Centre for Biological Information Technology, University of Queensland. We recognise the support from the National Museums of Kenya, Tropical Pesticides Research Institute (TPRI) - Tanzania and Makerere University, Uganda. This activity was undertaken as part of the BioNET-EAFRINET UVIMA Project (Taxonomy for Development in East Africa).

Contact

BioNET-EAFRINET Regional Coordinator: [email protected]