Australia encouraged suggestions of managing asparagus weeds

Community and industry groups are being encouraged to have their say on the management of some of Australia’s most invasive and damaging weeds.

 

Draft national strategic plans for a range of asparagus weeds, Opuntioid cacti (prickly pear and related species), Sagittaria platyphylla (arrowhead) and Anredera cordifolia (Madeira vine) have been released for public comment by the Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) coordinators, who are supported by Federal, State and Territory governments.

 

The weeds are among 12 newly declared WoNS. Each species has been assessed as nationally significant due to its current and potential future economic, environmental and social impacts.

 

Department of Agriculture and Food WA research officer Sandy Lloyd said it was important for Western Australians to provide their feedback on the nationally coordinated draft strategies.

 

“National coordination ensures that on-ground activities and research are focused on strategic management of priority weeds and that the community assists in fighting the spread of these weeds throughout the country,” she said.

 

Opuntioid cacti consists of a group of nearly 30 introduced species, including prickly pear, coral cactus, devil’s rope and Hudson pear. The drought resistant, hardy cacti are mostly found in the Goldfields but are known to exist throughout much of WA.

“These cacti form dense infestations that can reduce access to stock feed and hinder mustering activities. The spiny plants can injure stock, damage fleeces and hides and affect the safe handling of animals during shearing,” Ms Lloyd said.

“Besides posing a risk to stock and human safety, they can also harm native wildlife and compete with native vegetation throughout Australia’s iconic rangeland areas.

“Another priority weed is Sagittaria platyphylla, known as arrowhead in the Eastern States but commonly known as sagittaria in WA, a highly destructive aquatic species that has been found in the Canning River and near Albany. It can be difficult to control as it forms dense thickets that block irrigation channels and choke wetlands.”

 

Department of Environment and Conservation Invasive Plants Program Coordinator Kellie Passeretto said several WoNS had invaded WA and the new strategies would guide efforts to restrict their spread and reduce the impact of current infestations.

 

“There are six invasive asparagus species which have invaded all states and territories except the Northern Territory. They are found in the south-west of WA, especially Denmark, Albany and Augusta,” she said.

 

“These weeds threaten biodiversity, including endangered coastal and forest ecosystems, and are common as garden plants.”

 

Ms Passeretto said Madeira vine was introduced as a garden plant and had been found growing on trees along the Canning River.

 

“It is important that everyone affected by or interested in these weeds has their say on how they are managed,” she said.