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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

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