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Cumbungi
- also called Bull Rush
(Typha oreintalis and T.domingus)
These are native species that can be found on the edges of wetlands,
lagoons, creek banks, drainage channels, and farm dams. These plants
are an important food source, and provide shelter for a variety of animals
and birds. They can be a major problem in drainage channels and lagoons,
where they can form dense stands that prevent stock access to water
and deter some water birds. There are two types of Cumbungi in the region:
- Typha
orientalis: The larger of the two, growing to a height of up to
4m tall.
- T
domingus: Only grows to 3m tall.
Cumbungi
grows from both seeds and rhizomes. Seeds are formed in a compact spike
that can contain up to 200 000 seeds; these are dispersed by wind and
water over long distances.
Similar
species
Unlikely to be confused with other species.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: Only a short-term solution, as plants will
regenerate from seeds and rhizomes that remain after excavation. Cutting
stems off below the waterline can also control it, although regrowth
may occur.
Herbicide control: There are registered herbicides available
that are quite effective.
Biological control: No known agents available.
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Horsetail
(Equisetum spp)
Introduced possibly for herbal medicine use or as an unusual plant,
Horsetail has the potential to become a serious weed. Two main species
have been found in Australia (E arvense and E hyemale).
Horsetails are an old species which have been referred to as 'scouring
rush' and used for cleaning pots. In the Hunter and Central Coast region
it appears that it has been propagated and sold. Horsetails are a Category
W1 Noxious weed.
Distribution
Very
rare - found only in domestic situations.
Control
measures
Physical
control: Not recommended.
Herbicide control: Contact your local weeds officer.
Biological control: No known agents.
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Hygrophila
(Hygrophila costata)
Hygrophila costata is native to the Americas, from southern Mexico to
Argentina, and has naturalised in many tropical and subtropical areas
around the world. This weed has had a number of names including Hygrophila
brasiliensis, Hygrophila guianensis, Hygrophila conferta,
Hygrophila rivularis and Ruellia brasiliensis.
Distribution
Infestations occur in the Maitland and Port Stephens areas.
Control
measures
Refer to your local weeds officer. Please report any suspected infestations.
NSW
Agriculture Weed Alert
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Longleaf
Willow Primrose
(Ludwigia longilfolia)
Introduced as an ornamental plant, Longleaf Water Primrose has now become
a weed in parts of Sydney. It produces high numbers of very fine seeds
that can be spread by water, animals and human intervention.
Distribution
Widespread in parts of the Sydney region and has been found in the Gosford,
Wyong and Port Stephens areas.
Control
measures
Refer to your local weeds officer.
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Ludwigia
(Ludwigia peruviana)
Ludwigia peruviana is a relatively new weed to the region, with only
a few outbreaks recorded so far. A weed of wet places such as drainage
channels, creeks, and lagoons, there is the potential for it to spread
to many parts of the Hunter And Central Coast region. An aggressive
plant, it will compete with native vegetation and over time become the
dominant specie. Producing flowers in mid summer, seeds are dispersed
by birds and water. Plants grow to 3 metres in height and form dense
thickets that will restrict access and water flow. Flowers may have
4 or 5 petals, and seeds are extremely fine and numerous. A Category
W2 Noxious plant under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.
Distribution
Infestation restricted to Gosford & Port Stephens areas at this time.
Control
measures
Physical removal: Plants have well developed root systems which
make hand pulling difficult.
Herbicide control: Registered products are available.
Biological control: No known agents.
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Phragmites
(Phragmites australis)
A native plant, Phragmites is an important component of wetlands - giving
cover for native animals and birds. It also reduces wave action and
erosion of river & creek banks. Growing to a height of 3m, it has been
confused as a miniature Bamboo. Reproduction is by both seeds and vegetatively
from underground rhizomes. It is sometimes considered a weed, particularly
in drainage channels where it will obstruct water flow and deter some
water bird species. It will tolerate slightly brackish water, so may
be found in the upper reaches of tidal rivers.
Distribution
Phragmites is widespread throughout the lower Hunter & Central Coast
region, along rivers and stream banks, wetlands, and drainage channels.
Control
measures
Physical control: Not an option.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides available.
Biological control: No known agents.
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Senegal
Tea
(Gymnocoronis spilanthoides)
Senegal Tea is a Category
W1 Noxious weed in NSW under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. It is an
aggressive plant that can grow up to 15 cm a week. Normal habitat is
the waters edge, along rivers, creeks, wetlands, and drainage channels.
Propagation is by seed and by plant fragments.
Similar
species
Should not be confused with other species.
Distribution
Restricted to the Lake Macquarie area.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be successful for small infestations.
Herbicide control: Permit required.
Biological control: No known agents.
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Spike
Rush
(Juncus acutus)
Spike Rush is an introduced plant that can be found along the edges
of rivers, streams, wetlands, and farm dams. Infestations may also extend
into low-lying areas, subject to occasional inundation. Infestations
can become quite thick which will reduce productivity of grazing areas.
Similar
species
May be confused with other Rush species.
Distribution
Widespread in the coastal regions.
Control
measures
Physical control: Only a short term solution.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered
for control.
Biological control: No known predators available.
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Water
Pepper
(Persicaria hydropiper)
A native plant that is found in wetland areas at the waters edge and
extending into the water. It can form dense mats that will extend along
the sides and base of drainage channels obstructing water flow. Under
normal conditions it should not become a problem.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the area.
Similar
species
There are a number of Persicaria species in the area
Control
measures
Physical control: Not an option in most cases.
Herbicide control: A limited number of herbicides available.
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