Pine tree invasion of fynbos

On many upper fynbos slopes to the south of the Langkloof valley pine trees and hakea are proliferating steadily. In picture, fynbos is being invaded by pine trees near Louterwater.

Resources and resolve to combat these invasive species are not always available. Clearing the "wrong" bush, treating the stumps, combatting erosion and burning the fynbos at suitable intervals are done properly on some land, not nearly everywhere.

Cyclic, controlled burning forms part of fynbos management. Unplanned and unwanted fires happen all too frequently as well, sometimes reducing the species diversity by certain plants not having enough time to set seed.