Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Sustainability and Environment

Prickly Problem For Picking Weeds From Natives

The risk of mistaken identity has presented a prickly problem for two native plant species growing in rural Victoria.

By DSE - 6th July 2006 - Back to News

These two Victorian acacias might be mixed up with a noxious weed from overseas, because although the three plants have different scientific names they are all known by the common name Prickly Acacia.

Department of Sustainability and Environment spokesperson Anne Dennis said Acacia nilotica subsp. indica, common name Prickly Acacia, was declared a noxious weed in Victoria on 25 October 2005.

"It is a small thorny spreading tree which originates in the tropics and subtropics of Africa through to Pakistan, India and Burma," Ms Dennis said. "The plant is a particular problem in the arid and semi-arid areas of Queensland and has been declared a noxious weed in Victoria based on its invasiveness characteristics and potential for spreading south."

Acacia nilotica subsp. indica is not the same plant as two Acacia species native to Victoria which are also known by the common name Prickly Acacia. Ms Dennis emphasised the importance of checking the botanical name as well as the common name to ensure correct identification of plant species.

These are Acacia paradoxa, also known as Hedge Wattle, and Acacia verticillata, also known as Prickly Moses. Both of these Acacias are protected in Victoria and provide extremely valuable habitat for native birds and animals.

Ms Dennis warned landowners that clearing either of these native species from a roadside without a planning permit may be an offence and could result in prosecution.

Acacia nilotica subsp. indica was declared a restricted weed to help prevent the plant from entering Victoria. Trade in plants, or in materials containing them, is prohibited for those species classified as Restricted Weeds. Classification of a plant as a restricted weed does not place any specific responsibility on landowners to undertake removal works.

The website www.weeds.crc.org.au contains a number of excellent photographs of Acacia nilotica subsp. indica to help correct identification of this plant. A fact sheet can be downloaded from: http://www.weeds.crc.org.au/documents/wmg_prickly_acacia.pdf.

For further information or advice about Acacia nilotica subsp. indica please contact your local Department of Sustainability and Environment office or call the Customer Service centre on 136186.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Buchan River fishway improves native fish passage, boosts abundance and reconnects river habitat
  Monitoring of the Buchan River fishway shows strong improvements in native fish passage, increased abundance and diversity, and successful reconnection of habitat across the river system since construction in 2023.
• Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing and socially affordable homes, warns Cr Nathan Hersey
  One Gippsland warns Gippsland’s growth risks stalling without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, and social housing to support workforce, industries, and rapidly growing communities across the region.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, warns One Gippsland Chair
  One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• Mitchell River fish habitat enhanced with log structures to support native species and recreational fishing opportunities
  East Gippsland CMA is enhancing Mitchell River fish habitat with log structures, supporting native species like black bream, estuary perch, and Australian Bass, benefiting ecosystems and recreational fishing opportunities.
• Melina Bath said CFA volunteers face risks due to aging equipment and $55M funding shortfall since 2020
  The CFA faces a $50 million deficit as volunteers fight fires with aging equipment, with funding lagging inflation despite Allan Labor’s claims, exposing ongoing crisis and growing pressure on brigades.
• Life Saving Victoria warns of ongoing water safety risks following busy patrol season and fatalities
  Life Saving Victoria urges continued vigilance over Autumn and Winter water safety risks as patrol season ends, highlighting rescues, drownings, and prevention advice.
• Melina Bath warns neighbourhood houses face financial strain, risking essential services due to stagnant government funding
  Hundreds rallied at Victoria Parliament urging Allan government to provide funding certainty for neighbourhood houses, protecting essential community services supporting vulnerable residents and preventing closures.