Alien Invasives: Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)

Honey Locust
(Gleditsia triacanthos)

The Honey Locust is deciduous, spreading tree 15 to 20 metres tall. The trunk and branches have vicious, three-branched spines. The leaves are bright green, bi-pinnate, lance-shaped and minutely toothed. Small, yellowish-green flowers appear from October to November. The seed capsules are flat and twisted brown pods.

Other names: Honeyshuck, Sweet Locust (English)
Soetpeulboom, Driedoringboom, Springkaanboom (Afrikaans)
leoka (Sesotho)
Invasive status: NEMBA Category 1b
CARA 2002 Category 1
Originally from: North America
Where is it a problem?: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Gauteng and Mpumalanga
How does it spread?: Seed dispersal, often by water
Why is it a problem?: It competes with and replaces indigenous species. It forms dense stands along watercourses which can significantly reduce stream flow.
Uses: Fodder and donga reclamation

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Honey Locust(Gleditsia triacanthos)

No one has ever become poor by giving

Honey Locust
(Gleditsia triacanthos)