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Beware Of Toxic Cape Tulip In Your Paddocks.

Residents in Yarram, Port Albert, Sale, Rosedale and Inverloch should be inspecting their properties for a bulbous perennial herb and noxious weed Cape Tulip.

By Department of Primary Industries - 17th August 2007 - Back to News

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Pest Management Officer (PMO), Kylie Woods said Cape Tulip produces a beautiful salmon pink to bright orange flower in early spring.

"The problem with this plant is that it’s extremely toxic to stock, and animals grazing on it can die within days," Ms Woods said.

Cape Tulip grows to approximately 30-60 cm tall, with a single grass-like leaf, reproducing by corms (underground bulbs) and seeds.

Cape Tulip was introduced into Australia in 1843 as an ornamental plant and by the early 1900’s it was recognised in Victoria as an important weed.

"Cape Tulip is often found in pastures and along roadsides, and landowners need to be aware that the whole plant is poisonous to stock at any stage of growth, especially horses and cattle," Ms Woods said.

"The green leaves are the most toxic and stock can die within days of consuming the plant.

"Cape Tulip is commonly spread by the movement of seeds and corms in contaminated farm produce and machinery. Hay and silage cut from infested paddocks is also a major cause of spread." Ms Woods said.

DPI is currently implementing a control program in partnership with the Yarram Landcare Network and the South Gippsland Landcare Network. Cape Tulip is a Regionally Prohibited Weed in the West Gippsland Catchment requiring all landowners to eradicate it from their land.

DPI is conducting Cape Tulip inspections from 31 August until 4 September. Any landowners who believe they may have Cape Tulip on their property should contact Kylie Woods at the Leongatha DPI office on 5662 9900 to obtain information on identification and control.

Ms Woods said it is important that all infestations are treated before the start of October 2007 to ensure plants do not produce seed this season.

For further information contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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