MOSSELBAY NEWS - A series of recent experiments carried out by the rangers at Fransmanshoek has shown that sour fig (English) or suurvy (Afrikaans), Carpobrotus spp., could be very effective in reinforcing firebreaks.

The indigenous succulent plant, also known as sour fig, has invaded a nearby eco-estate, thus presenting the challenge of how best to manage the excess plant material. 

Experiments then inadvertently revealed that sour fig can stop a quick-fire dead in its tracks. 

The rangers applied this renewed knowledge to fire management, and began establishing the sour fig in the newly cleared road reserves, servitudes and firebreaks. 

This is an attempt to improve fire protection in the area, whilst simultaneously providing some maintenance continuity in managing the firebreaks more cost-effectively.

Don't remove sour fig
The local Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA) has objectively stated that many farmers remove the sour fig from their firebreaks. 

This is due to the fact that the vegetation can smoulder for weeks if a slow, hot fire does get into it. 

However, they also agree that using sour fig could be in the best interests of managing firebreaks at the lowest costs, without returning every year to trim other vegetation. 

Thus, the technique of leaving the sour fig in warrants an attempt.

Sour fig is very easy to establish in open areas and is excellent at maintaining a low-growing, sprawling vegetative mat that also protects the soil from erosion. 

It can also outcompete and prevent other plants from establishing and proliferating. This is due to the sour fig having the ability to change soil chemistry, a characteristic referred to in botany as “allelopathic properties”. 

Thus, the constant clearing of firebreaks would become unnecessary if sour fig is introduced.

Ecological advantages
Along with its fire and soil protection uses, sour fig has other great ecological advantages: it is indigenous and a water-wise plant, attracts many pollinators and other fauna to its beautiful flowers and produces edible fruit. 

Sour fig is also a wonderful sustainably harvestable resource in the use of jams and medicines.

Thus, the challenges facing conservation may reveal opportunity in equal measure. 

With careful control, the use of sour fig may yield a new solution to plant invasion management and enhance fire protection in the Fransmanshoek area.

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