Family: Cactaceae

Scientific name: Harrisia balansae

Common name:  climbing harrisia

Category:  1a NEMBA

Description

Harrisia balansae (K.Schum.) N.P.Taylor & Zappi is a climbing succulent shrub 1-4

Harrisia balansae Habitat

m tall, sometimes up to 25 m tall. Stems are spiny, 3-4 (-5) angled up to 5 cm in diameter. Spines in clusters with one spine longer than the rest. Flowers large, tubular and spineless, white to pale yellow. Fruits bright red strongly covered with wart-like knobs.

Distribution

Harrisia balansae is native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and is naturalised in South Africa where it has escaped from abandoned farm houses.

How it spreads

Harrisia balansae spreads mainly by seeds and vegetative means.

History in South Africa

Harrisia balansae

Harrisia balansae has been recorded only in two provinces of South Africa, North West and Limpopo. In North West it has been recorded in Groot Marico where it is suspected to have escaped from an abandoned farm house. In Limpopo it has been confirmed in Modemolle at Mkleuw and 26 Succenvale Farm and Carlifonia Farm in Letsitele just outside Tzaneen.

Environmental impacts

Harrisia balansae inhabits forests and savannah biomes mostly dominated by species of the genus Acacia and in disturbed areas.

How to eradicate

There are no registered herbicides for this species in South Africa.

What can you do to help?

Report sightings of these plants to the Invasive Species Programme (ISP) at SANBI. We will need to know its locality (the exact locality, supply any landmarks or GPS information if possible).

Contact details:

Ruqaya Adams

Tel: +27 (0)21 799 8403

Email address: invasivespecies@sanbi.org.za

References

  • Oakley, L. & Kiesling, R. 2013. Harrisia balansae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. Downloaded on 15 November 2014
  • Walters, M., Figueiredo, E, Crouch, N.R., Winter, P.J.D., Smith, G.F., Zimmermann H.G. and Mashope, B.K. 2011. Naturalised and invasive succulents of southern Africa. ABC Taxa 11: 139-141
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