News

Praxelis weed found near Broome

Media release : 1st May 2008

Department of Agriculture and Food biosecurity officers have assisted industry undertake control of the weed Praxelis (Praxelis clematidea), recently found near Broome.

Department spokesman Noel Wilson said Praxelis was on the National Alert List for Environmental Weeds that threatened biodiversity and caused other environmental damage.

Praxelis originates from South America and has been present in tropical Queensland for 20 to 30 years. The discovery of this weed near Broome is the first time it has been found outside Queensland.

“Praxelis can cause problems for crops such as sugar cane, bananas and other fruits because of its invasive nature. It can also infest conservation areas and pastoral grasslands,” Mr Wilson said.

“There is also some evidence that it may be poisonous to stock and humans if eaten.”

Mr Wilson said the plant had been found spreading on properties around Broome.

“Property owners have worked with our officers to pull out the plants and burn the seed,” he said."

“Initial control work carried out has reduced the potential for the further spread of this weed in the Broome area.”

Praxelis is an annual or short lived perennial growing between 20 to 100 centimetres tall. The stems are covered in short soft hairs with leaves that are tear shaped to diamond shaped with a toothed margin. When crushed the leaves emit an odour similar to cat’s urine.

The flowers are lilac or blue coloured florets and occur as dense tufts at the end of the stems. A key distinguishing feature of this plant is the conical base that the florets are attached to.

Mr Wilson has requested property owners in the Broome area to be on the look out for Praxelis and other exotic weed species.

For further information, including a colour pamphlet, or to report suspect plants please call 1800 084 881

Media contact

Noel Wilson	91664001 / 0429105336
Katrina Bonser/Lisa Bertram, media liaison,	9368 3937 / 9368 3325