摘要：Human perceptions and knowledge of invasive alien plant species are increasingly recognisedas important in the management of biological invasions, but there is limited research focuson the social dimensions of plant invasion. Using household surveys, this study assessed theperceptions, knowledge, and uses of Psidium guajava Linn. to rural communities in VhembeBiosphere Reserve, in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Results showed that mostrespondents are aware of P. guajava and perceive it to be spreading in their locality but donot consider it an invasive alien plant species. Psidium guajava is perceived to have a dualpurpose and most respondents are aware of its benefits including fruit consumption, medicinal purposes, shading and firewood provisioning and costs such as attraction of problematic animals, displacement of native plants, and reduction of grazing and agricultural space.The benefits associated with use of P. guajava are considered greater than the costs, thereforemost participants do not implement any control measures. These results highlight the needto incorporate rural community perceptions, knowledge, and uses of P. guajava in developingeffective management plans that avoid conflicts between stakeholders. To improve theefficacy of managing biological invasions more research is required to understand howcommunities relate to invasive alien plant species.
