List of common weeds of Queensland

There are a number of commonly occurring weeds or invasive plant species in Queensland, Australia. These plants typically produce large numbers of seeds, often excellent at surviving and reproducing in disturbed environments and are commonly the first species to colonise and dominate in these conditions. Weeds may reduce native biodiversity, affect agricultural productivity, the environment, human health and amenity.

Common weeds

Some of the more common weeds of Queensland are listed below. Weeds that are not yet common or established but pose a significant threat are identified by an asterisk. Weeds that are identified as Weeds of National Significance are noted as "WoNS".

Common Name Scientific Name Origin Description Signif- icance Primary Distribution Image Ref.
African tulip tree Spathodea campanulata tropical Africa Fast growing, highly invasive, evergreen tree forming dense stands in gullies and streams, crowding out native vegetation Class 3 SE Qld and gardens [1]
Alligator Weed* Alternanthera philoxeroides South America Grows on land in damp soil, or in water as dense floating mats Class 1 WoNS Potential to establish in all Queensland coastal areas and inland agricultural and urban areas [2]
Camphor laurel Cinnamomum camphora Asia Large attractive shade tree, aggressively replaces native vegetation Class 3 Gardens throughout Qld [3]
Fireweed Senecio madagascariensis Madagascar, Southern Africa Daisy-like herb with bright yellow flowers, competes with pasture species Class 2 New South Wales coast and north to Brisbane [4]
Lantana Lantana camara Central, South America Heavily branched shrub that can grow as compact clumps, dense thickets and as scrambling and climbing vines that smother native vegetation Class 3 WoNS Most coastal and sub-coastal areas of eastern Australia [5]
Mesquite Prosopis spp. North, South America Spread significantly in Queensland, may form dense impenetrable thickets, aggressive competitor and drought tolerant Class 1 WoNS Western Qld [6]
Mother of millions Bryophyllum spp. Madagascar Succulent type plant well adapted to dry areas, highly toxic to stock, forms masses of embryoids (plantlets), hard to eradicate Class 2 Ornamental garden plant, Central Highlands, Burnett [7]
Ochna (aka Mickey Mouse plant) Ochna serrulata Africa Ornamental species, easily dispersed to new areas by birds eating the fruits n/a Widely planted in gardens [8]
Parkinsonia Parkinsonia aculeata tropical America Introduced ornamental small shade tree, seeds float, forms dense, thorny thickets along watercourses Class 2 WoNS inland Qld [9]
Parthenium Parthenium hysterophorus tropical America Vigorous coloniser of weak pastures, disturbed areas, brigalow, gidgee and softwood scrub soils. Linked to health allergies Class 2 WoNS predominantly Central Qld [10]
Prickly pear Opuntia spp. Americas Spiky cactus, drought resistant, widespread infestation in early 20th century but reduced through biological control Class 2 Central, Southern Qld [11]
Willow Salix spp. Northern hemisphere Popular garden ornamentals, but invasive in waterways with aggressive root systems Class 1 WoNS Cooler parts of Qld [12]

See also

References

  1. ^ Qld Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries - African tulip tree Archived 2007-08-31 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Qld Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries - Alligator Weed
  3. ^ Qld Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries - Camphor laurel Archived 2007-08-31 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ Qld Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries - Fireweed
  5. ^ Qld Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries - Lantana
  6. ^ Qld Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries - Mesquite
  7. ^ Qld Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries - Mother of millions
  8. ^ Qld Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries - Ochna or mickey mouse plant Archived 2007-10-09 at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ Qld Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries - Parkinsonia
  10. ^ Qld Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries - Parthenium
  11. ^ Qld Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries - Prickly pear
  12. ^ Qld Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries - Willow Archived 2007-11-02 at the Wayback Machine

Further reading

  • Kleinschmidt, H. E (1977). Weeds of Queensland. Queensland Department of Primary Industries. p. 469.
  • Parsons, W (1992). Noxious Weeds of Australia.
  • Panetta, F (1998). The Biology of Australian Weeds Vol.2.