Published on Thursday, 16 August 2018 at 1:50:08 PM
In an effort to curb the spread of the invasive African Boxthorn weed, the City will be holding two community workshops on how to treat smaller plants.
The South African plant, which was introduced to Australia in the mid 1800s as a hedge plant, has become one of Australia’s most widespread weeds that grows in climates ranging from semi-arid inland areas to high rainfall coastal environments.
City of Greater Geraldton Chief Executive Office Ross McKim said getting this particular plant under control is very challenging.
“This plant spreads by seed, suckers and even root or tree pruning fragments that either get left behind or when dumped elsewhere can take root and grow if the area suits the plant’s needs,” he said.
“It also produces flowers and fruit from old wood so pruning doesn’t help, its tolerant to drought, salt spray and sand blasting, it grows in partial shade and full sun and once established it is tolerant to grazing due to its spiny nature and displaces native vegetation which reduces biodiversity values.
“Therefore, I would like to encourage anyone who has this plant growing on their property or wants to help eradicate this weed in local reserves, to attend one of the workshops to learn how to combat this high invasive species with the use of Boxthorn Blitz Kits which are part of the program.”
Members of the community interested in combating this Weed of National Significance are invited to attend one of two workshops being held on Sunday 26 August 2018. The first workshop will be held in Cape Burney from 9-11am at the Greenough River mouth carpark and the second workshop will be held from 1-3pm at Spalding Park in Bluff Point.
For more information on the workshops, or to RSVP you attendance, please call 9956 6600 or email environmentalplanning@cgg.wa.gov.au
View the Workshops flyer here
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