Media Release
10 May 2010
SERIOUS NEW weeds SPOTTED ACROSS THE STATE
Volunteers for the Tasmanian Weed Alert Network have spotted serious new weeds across the state over the last few weeks.
“In March a volunteer collected a specimen of feathertop, Pennisetum villosum, on a road side at Midway Point. This grass is a serious weed on mainland Australia, but has been recorded only a few times in Tasmania. Feathertop competes with pasture, is unpalatable to stock and contaminates wool on the mainland”, Tasmanian Weed Alert Network Project Officer Jonah Gouldthorpe explained.
“The volunteer removed the feathertop infestation at the time. The weed was also reported to the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, who have mapped the infestation and will monitor and control any plants in the future as necessary”, Jonah Gouldthorpe explained.
In the north of the state, a land owner reported a specimen of cypress spurge, Euphorbia cyparissias in their suburban West Tamar garden during April. Cypress spurge invades a wide range of natural vegetation and production systems. It is unpalatable to wildlife and stock and it is difficult to control.
An officer from the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment inspected the site and helped the land owner to deal with the plants. In common with the feathertop report, the infestation has been mapped so that it can be followed up in the future.
Both cypress spurge and feathertop have been spread around Tasmania as ornamental garden plants.
“The Network’s volunteers have shown a lot of skill and vigilance, picking up these serious new weeds. On the one hand, it’s a shame that these weeds are turning up out there. On the other hand, it is great that our volunteers are spotting them”, Jonah Gouldthorpe said.
“Once we know where these serious new weeds are, then we can bring the authorities and land managers on board to deal with them”, Jonah Gouldthorpe said.
Any person who wants more information about the Tasmanian Weed Alert Network can contact the Tasmanian Conservation Trust on 6234 3552.
Jonah Gouldthorpe Tasmanian Conservation Trust
