Important notice regarding the spread of noxious invasive alien Stinkbean plants (Paraserianthes lophantha (Willd.), also known as the Australian Albizia, Plume Albizia or Mountain Albezia Stinkbean. (Paraserianthes lophantha (Willd.) Evergreen shrub or small tree, with bipinnate leaves and large, yellow-whitish spikes. Scientific name: Paraserianthes lophantha (Willd.) I.C. Nielsen Common names: plume albizia, mountain albizia Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) After more than a decade of hard work Noordhoek residents, with the help of various government and city departments, have managed to control extensive stands of invasive Rooikrans and Longleaf Wattle in and around the suburb, along with several other less common invasive species. Enter the Stinkbean. A common problem with managing invasive species is that once a primary invader is removed, secondary opportunistic invaders fill the vacant ecological niche. This is the case with the rapid spread of Stinkbean into Noordhoek. The plant is originally from the Perth area of Australia, which has a climate similar to ours making the region susceptible to invasion. Stinkbean is also invasive in Chile, the Canary Islands, Portugal, New Zealand and even parts of Australia. Sinkbean has spread rapidly here. These fast growing trees are often mistaken for Blackwood, common along the Garden Route and of similar appearance, with fine fronded leaves, varigated bark and attractive cream flowers. No guessing why they are called Stinkbean. The plant bears many seeds from its first year of growth. This is a primary reason to stop its spread in our neighbourhood. As the old saw goes, “one years seeding is ten years weeding.” In the case of stinkbean it can be significantly worse as the seeds are thought to remain viable many years, similar to Rooikrans and Wattle. Removal Fortunately the plant is easily removed either by hand pulling if it is small, as it does not have an extensive root system. Larger plants can be cut down, close to the base and the plant removed. It is important to get them out as soon as possible as they supress the growth of other plants in the area they have grown. Both plants and seed should be removed. The plants seed in October/ November. The pods should be gathered and preferably either burned or disposed of in a bag in your rubbish, so they do not get the chance to germinate. As a category 1b alien invasive it is forbidden to have these plants on any property. Property owners can be held responsible for the costs of clearance and if they are found to spread. In the near future no property may be sold if it has any invasive species present. In light of this we urgently request all residents to keep a sharp eye out for this particular alien and assist us in nipping this problem in the bud. .