Community groups and land managers are joining together to seek out and eradicate boneseed during the annual Western Australian Boneseed Blitz Sept 21st - 30th. Spring is the ideal time to target boneseed, as it produces masses of bright yellow flowers that are easily seen.
Boneseed is a Weed of National Significance that invades huge areas of native bushland in South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. It is a fast growing, aggressive plant that threatens the survival of native plants, degrades native bushland and displaces food plants of native animals. Boneseed is a serious threat to the incredible biodiversity of Western Australia, and the entire southwest region is susceptible to boneseed invasion.
Fortunately, we have been able to stop boneseed in the early stages of invasion in WA. Currently, only 35 small infestations are known and they are all under eradication. However there is a chance that undiscovered boneseed plants may still be hiding in backyards or native bushland.
Small infestations have been controlled in: Perth Hills, Upper Swan, Toodyay, Armadale, Boddington, Wandering, Narrogin, Woodanilling, Albany, Many Peaks and Busselton. All infestations were caused by seeds escaping from residential gardens, as boneseed fruits are spread quickly by birds and other animals. The goal of the Boneseed Blitz is to find and eradicate any new infestations in WA. You can help with the eradication effort by reporting any suspected boneseed plants in your region.
Everyone is advised to be on the lookout for the bright yellow ‘daisy’ flowers of boneseed that appear on plants between August and October. Please report potential boneseed sightings to the DAFWA Pest Info line on 1800-084-881. More photos and descriptions of boneseed are available at www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/bitoubush
For more information, please contact Hillary Cherry, National Boneseed & Bitou Bush Coordinator at hillary.cherry@environment.nsw.gov.au
042-710-4448 or 02-9585-6587
Photo 1: boneseed flowers, fruits and leaves.
