First report of Mahonia lomariifolia in South Africa
Mahonia lomariifolia (Berberidaceae) has been recorded as naturalised in the vicinity of Faerie Glen Nature Reserve (FGNR) in South Africa in 2015 and subsequently in the adjacent Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve (MKNR) in 2016. M. lomariifolia is an evergreen shrub or small tree (3-5 m tall) native to Asia. Plants found in FGNR were approximately 12 m away from a storm water drain and included 1 mature plant and 10 juvenile plants. Three mature plants were observed 10 m from a stream at MKNR and one mature plant and five juveniles were observed scattered along a trail within a wooded habitat. The authors detail that a survey of the wider region highlights that the species is sold in local nurseries and is planted as a garden ornamental.
Sources
Jaca TP, Mkhize MA (2018) Mahonia oiwakensis Hayata (=Mahonia lomariifolia) (Berberidaceae): A new species for the alien flora of South Africa. Bothalia 48(1), a2285. https://doi.org/10.4102/abc. v48i1.2285