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Bitou
Bush
(Chrsanthemoides monilifera subsp rotundata)
Bitou Bush is an introduced plant from South Africa, first recorded
in Stockton in 1906. It was then utilised in the 1950s and 60s as a
sand stabilizer in rehabilitation following sand mining, however it
is a poor substitute for native vegetation. Bitou Bush has spread quite
rapidly and now infests 90% of the NSW sandy coastline. It can be found
in coastal heath, coastal forest and littoral rainforest regions. It
is a declared Category
W3 Noxious weed under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.
Distribution
Widespread in coastal areas between the Queensland and Victorian state
borders.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be an effective method of reducing
infestations however soil disturbance will trigger seed germination,
so follow up work will be required.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides available.
Biological control: A number of insects have been released including
the Bitou Bush Seed Fly (Mesoclanis polana) and the Bitou Bush
Tip Moth (Cosmosotolopsis germana). Both remain active in the
region and may develop to be useful control tools.
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Chinese
Violet
-also known as Asystasia
(Asystasia gangetica subspecies micrantha)
Chinese Violet is a rapidly growing perennial herb that grows to 1m
high, but can grow over shrubs up to 3m tall. It can smother all vegetation.
This weed grows in tropical and subtropical areas. Plants spread by
seed and/or rhizomes. The seeds are dispersed explosively from drying
capsules but long distance dispersal is generally by humans. Please
report any suspected infestations.
Distribution
Limited to Port Stephens area only.
Control
measures
Physical control: Seedlings can be removed by hand and bagged
for disposal ensuring no rhizomes are left, as these can develop into
new infestations.
Herbicide control: Contact your Council Weeds Officer or NSW
Agriculture.
Biological control: No known agents available.
NSW
Agriculture Weed Alert PDF
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Japanese
Honeysuckle
(Lonicera japonica)
Introduced as an ornamental plant, Honeysuckle has adapted to our climate
and is becoming a serious weed of urban bushland areas. It is spread
by dumping of clippings and by birds which feed on the berries. Plants
use fences and other structures for support and can reach high into
the canopy of trees.
Distribution
Found throughout the Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be controlled by digging out, however may
regenerate from root fragments.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered.
Biological control No known agents.
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Lantana
(Lantana camara)
Lantana is one of the most common weeds in the coastal areas of the
state. Originally introduced as a garden plant, it has adapted to our
climate and now infests an estimated 4 million hectares of land in Australia.
Lantana forms large thickets that can be a harbour for vermin, and become
a fire hazard. Propagation is by seed, with birds and animals the main
method of spreading. A number of different types of Lantana can be found
in the area, with the common pink being the most common. In the Cessnock
Local Government Area, Lantana is a Category
W2 Noxious plant under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the Hunter and Central Coast region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Hand removal of small seedlings is an effective
method of control. Slashing and burning will remove above ground growth
but regrowth will occur.
Herbicide control: Cut and paint treatment works well, as does
overall foliar treatment. Regrowth may occur, so follow-up treatment
will be required.
Biological control: A number of insects have been released. For
further information of the effectiveness in your area, contact the Weeds
Officer at your local council.
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Mile
A Minute
(Ipomoea cairica)
An introduced vine, this plant will use trees and shrubs for support
as it climbs into the canopy, where it will completely smother the host.
Once established, it can be difficult to control.
Distribution
Widespread along the coastal strip.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be difficult as plants can reshoot
from root fragments.
Herbicide control: As the vine can be using other plants for
support, spraying can also damage other vegetation. Cutting and painting
stems can be effective.
Biological control: No known agents.
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Scotch
/ English Broom
(Cytisus scoparius)
Broom is native to western and central Europe. It was introduced into
Australia as hedging and ornamental plants but escaped from cultivation
to become naturalised over much of south-eastern Australia. In pastures,
Brooms may form thickets that prevent grazing on infested areas. As
mature bushes are relatively unpalatable to sheep and cattle, their
presence represents a loss of grazing area. Dense thickets of broom
provide cover for rabbits and inhibit access to bushland and recreational
areas. In bushland, brooms may smother seedling and low growing native
species.
Similar
species
Could be mistaken for Spanish Broom.
Distribution
Main infestations are around the Barrington Tops area.
Control
measures
Physical control: Small infestations can be controlled by removal.
Seeds have high viability, so if plants have seeded, soil disturbance
could activate them.
Herbicide control: There are a number of registered herbicides
available. If infestations are well established, it will take a number
of years to completely eradicate.
Biological control: Agents have been released.
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Turkey
Rhubarb
(Acetosa sagittate)
A weed of coastal rainforest,
this plant forms thick mats on the forest floor. Introduced from South
Africa it can be found in many of the coastal rainforests. Seed is spread
by wind and water and the plant reproduces underground tubers which
can also form new plants.
Distribution
Widespread along the coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be effective although plants will regenerate
from tubers.
Herbicide control: There are a number of registered herbicides
available. Care needs to be taken to avoid damage to other plants.
Biological control: No known agents.
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