Flora
Introduced Plants
Since the first Europeans arrived, 34 exotic plant species have been recorded in the Park, representing about 6.4% of the total park flora. Some such as perennial buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) were introduced to rehabilitate areas damaged by erosion. It is the most threatening weed in the Park and has spread to invade water and nutrient rich drainage lines. Where infestation is dense, it prevents the growth of native grasses - a source of food for animals and humans.
Rubydock (Acetosa vesicaria [Rumex]), a red coloured plant that grows by the roadside, may have been introduced from Central Asia to use for stuffing camel saddles. It dries to a spongy straw. A few others such as burrgrass were brought in accidentally, carried on cars and people.