The butterfly Actinote thalia was considered for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata in southern Africa, but permission to release this control agent was not sought because the larvae were found to consume the leaves of Mikania natalensis.
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Mikania natalensis is used in traditional Zulu and Swazi medicine for urinary complaints, headaches, backache and colds.
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Mikania natalensis is superficially similar in appearance to Chromolaena odorata, which is an alien invader species in the natural habitat of Mikania natalensis.