Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 1
Weeds of the
Northern &
Western Region
A guide to the identification and management
of Transport Services Division priority weeds
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 2
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank the following people and organisations:
The Natural Resources Management Boards within the Northern and
Western Region for comment, advice and guidance on priorities.
Transport Services Division Weed Management Plan Reference Group.
Photographs courtesy of:
Claire Stephens, University of Adelaide (CS)
Colin Wilson, NT Dept of Primary Industry and Fisheries (CW)
Dean Taylor (DT)
Derek Hibbert, Bass Coast Shire Council (DH)
Jackie Miles and Max Campbell (JM)
Ken Bunn (KB)
Natural Resources Management Council (NRM)
Qld Dept of Natural Resources and Mines (QNRM)
RMP Environmental Pty Ltd (RMP)
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of California, Davis (UCD)
University of Illes Balears (UIB)
Graphic design by Tom Rehmann.
First published 2002
2nd Edition June 2008
ISBN 0 7590 0102 2
Copyright Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, Transport
Services Division
33-37 Warwick Street, Walkerville SA 5081
Produced by the Environmental Systems Unit, with assistance from
RMP Environmental Pty Ltd.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 3
INTRODUCTION
Road reserves were originally intended to provide access to farm
properties and allow for the movement of people and goods. However,
with changes in how we now view the use of public land, road reserves
have had to become much more multi-purpose.
Remnant native vegetation along road corridors plays an important role
in conserving regional biodiversity, rare and threatened species, and
provides valuable habitat. Weeds in road corridors invade and compete
with native plants contributing to the degradation of remnant roadside
vegetation and valuable fauna habitat. Maintenance and construction
activities can exacerbate weed problems through ignorance or
inappropriate practices. Roadside weeds may spread onto adjacent
pastoral or agricultural land affecting production and profitability.
The Department has a legislative responsibility to control declared
weeds and not to aid their spread through their activities. Additionally,
weeds need to be managed for the protection of remnant native
vegetation, fauna and their habitats. Weeds need to be controlled for
three main reasons; road safety, infrastructure asset protection, and
environmental asset protection.
The aim of this weed identification guide is to aid field staff in
identifying priority weed species and in distinguishing weeds from native
species. The species included are weeds with a high priority for control
that often occur in road reserves and on road shoulders.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 4
WEED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
DO
Identify native and weed species prior to any maintenance or construction work.
Prepare a list of significant weeds in the area.
Choose the most effective and appropriate management practices for the
species and the location.
Undertake weed control at the most appropriate time, with respect to life cycle
and stage of development.
Know where native plants are before grading, mowing or spraying.
Avoid damaging or spraying native plants. Retaining native vegetation hinders
weed establishment.
Disturb the soil as little as possible.
Inspect footwear and clothing for seeds and remove if necessary before leaving
the worksite.
Keep vehicles, equipment and plant clean to minimise plant material movement.
Maintain records of chemical use and activities.
Remove all parts of weeds that can regrow.
Follow-up work is essential to achieve effective results (e.g. spray seedlings
that have emerged).
Work along the roadside towards a weed-infested area rather than away from it.
Regularly inspect your area for new weeds or new weed problem areas.
Report unusual or new weeds to the Regional Environmental Officer.
Mow more than once a season if additional flower stems are produced.
DON’T
Don’t undertake broad weed control until you have identified all the weed
species present and whether native plants are present.
Don’t import fill or rubble unless it is certain to be weed-free.
Don’t transport mud, weed seeds or plants on equipment or vehicles.
Don’t neglect to control weeds around sources of weed introduction,
e.g. stockpile sites.
Don’t hand pull or grub weeds when the soil is too dry. It will be difficult to
remove all the root.
Don’t leave weed parts that can regrow on roadsides.
Don’t grade areas where species that reproduce vegetatively occur.
Don’t use herbicides on wet, very hot or windy days.
Don’t use non-selective herbicides near susceptible plants.
Don’t spray plants that you cannot identify - seek advice.
RESIDUAL HERBICIDE USE MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE
WITH OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTION 21.4.
SEEK ADVICE FROM REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 5
INDEX
TREES
Olive
Pines
Olea europaea
Pinus spp.
T1
T2
SHRUBS
African Boxthorn
Bathurst Burr
Boneseed
Mesquite
Mimosa Bush
Noogoora Burr
Parkinsonia
Parthenium Weed
Prickly Acacia
Prickly Pear/Wheel Cactus
Lycium ferocissimum
Xanthium spinosum
Chrysanthemoides monilifera
Prosopis spp.
Acacia farnesiana
Xanthium strumarium
Parkinsonia aculeata
Parthenium hysterophorus
Acacia nilotica
Opuntia spp.
S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
S6
S7
S8
S9
S10
Peganum harmala
Oncosiphon suffruticosum
Tribulus terrestris
Moraea spp.
Reseda lutea
Marrubium vulgare
Alternanthera pungens
Diplotaxis tenuifolia
Asphodelus fistulosus
Carthamus lanatus
Echium plantagineum
Scabiosa atropurpurea
Solanum elaeagnifolium
Chondrilla juncea
Oxalis pes-caprae
Centaurea caleitrapa
Dittrichia graveolens
Salvia verbenaca
H1
H2
H3
H4
H5
H6
H7
H8
H9
H10
H11
H12
H13
H14
H15
H16
H17
H18
HERBS
African Rue
Calomba Daisy
Caltrop
Cape Tulips
Cut-leaf mignonette
Horehound
Khaki Weed
Lincoln Weed
Onion Weed
Saffron Thistle
Salvation Jane
Scabious
Silverleaf Nightshade
Skeleton Weed
Soursob
Star Thistle
Stinkwort
Wild Sage
CLIMBERS & CREEPERS
Bridal Creeper
Field Bindweed
Asparagus asparagoides
Convolvulus arvensis
C1
C2
Eragrostis curvula
Cenchrus ciliaris
Hyparrhenia hirta
Cynodon dactylon
Pennisetum spp.
Cenchrus incertus and C. longispinus
Pennisetum clandestinum
Phalaris aquatica
Piptatherum miliaceum
G1
G2
G3
G4
G5
G6
G7
G8
G9
GRASSES
African Lovegrass
Buffel Grass
Coolatai Grass
Couch grass
Feathergrasses
Innocent Weed
Kikuyu
Phalaris
Rice Millet
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 6
The Northern and Western Region covers over 90% of the State and
encompasses both rangelands and the agricultural areas of Eyre
Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and the Mid North.
Coober Pedy
Ceduna
Port Lincoln
Transport
Services
Division
Transport Services
Division
Northern and
Region
Northern
& Western
Western
Region
showing Local
Areas
and and
majormajor
roadsroads
showing
LocalGovernment
Government
Areas
Port Augusta
Adelaide
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 8
OLIVE
Olea europaea
Declared
Native to the Mediterranean. Introduced as a tree crop.
Description
Evergreen shrub or small tree, 2-15 m high.
Stems and branches smooth, ribbed when young, bark rough, pale grey
when mature.
Leaves opposite, paddle-shaped, 3-7 cm X 8-10 mm, margins smooth,
recurved, glossy dark green above, silvery scaly below.
Flowers creamy white in small clusters, funnel-shaped, 4-lobed,
4-5 mm long, fragrant, Oct-Nov.
Fruit elliptical, fleshy, 25-25 mm X 6 mm, starting green, ripening
purple-black. One hard seed 10-15 mm long.
Roots lignotuber in young plants, strong suckering from stumps.
Threat / Problem
Invades native vegetation, especially dry sclerophyll forest or woodland,
and adjoining cleared, ungrazed land.
Spread
New plants grow from seed or suckers. Spread by birds, foxes,
machinery, humans and plantings.
Control
Selective or non-selective herbicide.
Mechanical control with annual follow-up.
Spraying and mechanical control most effective in early Spring - before
flowering. Cut and swab anytime.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 9
T
R
E
E
S
Mature plant
Flower
CW
NRM
localised in agricultural area
common on YP
Fruit
NRM
7 3
ONLY AS SEEDLINGS
T1
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 10
PINE TREES
ALEPPO PINE
Pinus spp.
P. halepensis
Declared on Lower Eyre Peninsula.
Description
Native to the Mediterranean and western Asia, planted as a softwood
timber, an ornamental and shade tree.
Evergreen coniferous tree to 20 m high with a single trunk and spreading
branches.
Leaves greyish green, in pairs, needle-like 5-8 cm long, 1 mm in diameter.
Female cones woody, terminal, 1-3 together on thick scaly stalks, reddish,
conical, 5-11 cm long. Male cones small, scaly and clustered.
Seeds black with a membranous wing.
See REO for Action Plan.
RADIATA PINE
P. radiata
Description
Native to northern America, planted as a softwood timber, an ornamental
and shade tree.
Evergreen coniferous tree to 30 m high with a single trunk and spreading
branches.
Leaves grass green, in threes, needle-like 8-15 cm long, 1 mm in diameter.
Female cones woody, terminal, solitary or in clusters on short stalks,
reddish, conical, 8-15 cm long. Male cones small, scaly and clustered.
Seeds black with a membranous wing.
Threat / Problem
Invades native vegetation. Prevents growth of any understorey.
Spread
Seed can be spread short distances by wind and water. It is readily spread
during road construction in contaminated soils.
Control
Cut young trees at ground level in minor infestations. Ensure no green
growth is left.
Non-selective herbicide.
Mow or grade whilst young seedlings.
Spraying most effective in Spring - as immature plants before flowering.
Cut any time.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 11
T
RH
E
E
R
E
B
S
S
P. halepensis - Mature plant
P. radiata - Male cone
RMP
RMP
P. halepensis - Female cone
localised and scattered
in mapped area
common on lower EP
RMP
3 3
ONLY AS SEEDLINGS
T2
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 14
AFRICAN BOXTHORN
Lycium ferocissimum
Declared
Native to the southern coast of Africa. It was probably grown initially in
Australia as a hedge plant.
Description
Erect, spiny shrub to 5 m with spreading, drooping branches.
Stems erect, light-brown when young; mature stems brown to grey
bearing stout spines.
Leaves bright green, smooth, fleshy, oval, 3.5 x 2 cm, shortly stalked in
clusters. In some areas, plants are deciduous in winter with new leaves
being produced in spring.
Flowers 1 cm diameter, fragrant, white with purple markings in the
throat, five petals; singly or in pairs on short side shoots, Dec-Feb.
Fruit orange-red when mature, globular, drooping, smooth and shiny,
1 cm in diameter.
Seeds light-brown or yellow, oval shaped and flattened with raised dots
on the surface.
Roots, branched taproot, deep and extensive.
Threat / Problem
Can form dense impenetrable thickets. Provides harbour for foxes,
starlings and rabbits. Invades native vegetation after disturbance.
Spread
Reproduction only by seed spread. Birds and foxes mainly responsible
for seed dispersal. Some minor spread can also occur with the
movement of contaminated agricultural produce, gravel and mud.
Control
Boxthorn does not spread rapidly, but eradication is difficult.
Mechanical control can be effective if follow-up is maintained.
Selective, non-selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Most effective in Autumn, Winter and early Spring – before flowering.
See REO for Action Plan.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 15
S
H
R
U
B
S
Mature plant
Fruit
Leaves
QNRM
JM
QNRM
localised and scattered
in agricultural areas
common in some coastal parts
3 3
ONLY AS SEEDLINGS
S1
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 16
BATHURST BURR
Xanthium spinosum
Declared
Native to South America. Probably introduced on Chilean horses’ tails in
the 1840s.
Description
Erect, much branched, summer-growing annual herb 30-60 cm high,
occasionally to 1 m, reproducing by seed. Most germination occurs after
rain in late spring and summer. Plants generally die early in winter but
mature plants may be found at any time of year.
Stems greenish yellow with fine short hairs, armed at the base of each
leaf and stem node with one or two triple-pronged yellow spines
15-25 mm long.
Leaves to 7 cm long, alternate and divided into three lobes; dark green
and shiny above with prominent pale veins, downy and pale green or
whitish beneath.
Flowers creamy green, small and inconspicuous, Feb-Jul. Female flowers
occur beneath the leaf axils; male flowers at the ends of stems.
Fruit an ovoid, straw-coloured, hairy burr, 1-1.5 cm long and 4-5 mm
wide, covered with yellow-orange hooked spines.
Seeds flat, brown or black, 1 cm long, two in each burr. Seed may
remain dormant in the soil for up to eight years.
Taproot branched, to over 3 m deep, often with extensive lateral roots.
Threat / Problem
The burrs are one of the most important contaminants of wool.
Seedlings are toxic to sheep, goats, cattle, horses, pigs and poultry.
Bathurt burr can form dense stands, interfering with manual harvesting
of grapes, tomatoes and sunflowers, and host fungal pathogens.
Spread
The burrs attach readily to the coats of animals, clothing and sheep
fleeces. Burrs are readily dispersed in water and as contaminants in
harvested crops.
Control
Non-selective, selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Mow or grade.
Most effective in early Summer - as an immature plant, before burr
formation.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 17
S
H
R
U
B
S
Mature plant
NRM
localised and scattered
in mapped area
Leaves & burrs
NRM
3 3
ONLY AS SEEDLINGS
S2
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 18
BONESEED
Chrysanthemoides monilifera
ssp. monilifera
Declared
Native to South Africa. Cultivated as an ornamental.
Description
Erect, much branched shrub or small tree to 6 m high, commonly 1-3 m.
Stems branching above ground level.
Leaves elliptical, 2-8 cm long, margins irregularly toothed, blades thin.
Flowers yellow, 4-8 petals, Jul-Dec.
Fruit globular, 6-8 mm diameter, light brown when dry; seed falls
Jan-Feb.
Roots shallow and poorly developed.
Threat / Problem
Reduce the aesthetic value and biodiversity of native bushland areas.
Dense infestations virtually eliminate native understorey and reduce the
regeneration abilities of native trees and shrubs.
Spread
Birds and foxes eat the fleshy fruits and disperse seed through their
droppings. Viable seed can be spread by soil movement through
quarrying, water, vehicles and clothing.
Control
Hand pulling is effective for small infestations or sensitive situations.
Selective or non-selective herbicide.
Mow or grade.
Most effective in Spring - before flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 19
S
H
R
U
B
S
Mature plant
NRM
Flower & leaves
DH
isolated and localised
in mapped area
Seedling
NRM
3 3
ONLY AS SEEDLINGS
S3
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 20
MESQUITE
Prosopis spp.
Declared
Native to North and South America. Introduced as an ornamental and
for soil stabilisation.
Description
Spreading thorny shrub or tree with zigzagged branches, variable shape
to 5 m high.
Bark rough, grey, smooth dark red or green on small branches.
Leaves fernlike, 12-18 pairs of leaflets 5-12 mm long on 2-5 pairs of
“leaf branches”, often with a gap between leaves. Pairs of stout spines
in “leaf branch” axils.
Flowers greenish yellow, spike-shaped to 10 cm long, Nov-Jan.
Pods straw-coloured, sometimes purple, no hairs, up to 20 cm long,
slight constrictions between seeds; straight or slightly curved.
Threat / Problem
Degrades the natural environment and restricts pastoral activities
through competition with desirable pasture species for water, light and
nutrients, impeding access to water points for stock and interference
with mustering. Spines can also injure stock.
Spread
Reproduction is by seed only. Seed is transported mainly internally by
cattle and in flood waters.
Control
Biological controls are being developed in Queensland.
Non-selective, selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Mechanical (grubbing, chaining).
Spraying and mechanical control most effective in Winter and Spring before flowering. Cut and swab any time.
Can be confused with Prickly Acacia (Acacia nilotica) and Mimosa
Bush (Acacia farnesiana)
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 21
S
H
R
U
B
S
Mature plant
Flowers
CW
CW
Leaves & seed pods
potential for invasion
CW
3 3
ONLY AS SEEDLINGS
S4
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 22
MIMOSA BUSH
Acacia farnesiana
Native to northern Australia; historical distribution unknown.
Description
Multi-stemmed, rounded, thorny, spreading shrub to 4 m high.
Branches zigzagged, usually grey-brown with prominent white dots.
Leaves yellowish-green, fern like, 1-6 pairs of leaf branches with 5-20
pairs of narrow rounded leaflets, 4-8 mm long. Two stout spines at the
base of each leaf.
Flowers yellow to orange, ball shaped, in pairs on stalks 10-20 mm
long, May-Nov.
Pods slightly curved, woody, cigar shaped, brown to black in colour,
4-7 cm long. Pods do not split when dry.
Threat / Problem
Forms dense thickets that interfere with mustering and access to water.
A threat to biodiversity through the transformation of grasslands into
thorny shrublands.
Spread
Reproduction is by seed only. Seed is transported mainly by cattle
internally.
Control
Non-selective, selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Mechanical (grubbing, chaining).
Spraying and mechanical control most effective in Winter and early
Spring - before pod drop. Cut and swab any time.
Can be confused with Prickly Acacia (Acacia nilotica), Mesquite
(Prosopis sp.) or Mimosa Bush (Acacia farnesiana)
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 23
S
H
R
U
B
S
Mature plant
Flower
CW
Seed pod
CW
isolated occurrences
potential for invasion
CW
3 3
ONLY AS SEEDLINGS
S5
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 24
NOOGOORA BURR
Xanthium strumarium
Declared
Native to North and South America. Imported in the late 1800s in
contaminated cotton seed.
Description
Erect annual herb to 2.5 m high with two growth forms; erect single
stemmed plants or many branched spreading plants.
Leaves dark green, similar in shape to grape vine leaves approximately
15 cm in diameter.
Stems blotched or streaked with purple.
Flowers green and in inconspicuous clusters around leaf axils.
Fruit a hard woody burr, 15-20 mm long and 5-8 mm wide, with many
hooked spines around body and two terminal beaks.
Seeds oblong, 6-10 mm long, two in each burr.
Threat / Problem
The burrs are one of the most important contaminants of wool.
Seedlings are toxic to stock, particularly cattle and pigs. Spines injure
stock, people and damage shearing machinery. Noogoora burr competes
strongly with summer crops and pastures and may also carry diseases of
crops and vegetables.
Spread
Reproduction is by seed only. The burrs attach readily to the coats of
animals, clothing and sheep fleeces. Burrs are readily dispersed in water
and as contaminants in harvested crops.
Control
Non-selective, selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Mow or grade.
Most effective in early Summer - as an immature plant, before burr
formation.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 25
S
H
R
U
B
S
Mature plant
Burr
CW
Leaves
QNRM
localised and isolated
in mapped area
more common in eastern part
CW
3 3
ONLY AS SEEDLINGS
S6
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 26
PARKINSONIA
Parkinsonia aculeata
Declared
Native to tropical America, introduced as an ornamental and a shade
tree around bores and homesteads.
Description
Shrub or small tree with slender, slightly zigzagged, drooping branches,
to 6 m high.
Bark smooth and green; straw-coloured and lightly textured at base of
older trees.
Leaves have a long flattened leaf stalk with tiny oblong leaflets along
each side. Needle sharp thorns 7-12 mm long in leaf nodes.
Flowers in groups of 8-12, yellow, with one petal being at least partly
orange, opportunistically flowers after adequate rains.
Pod straw-coloured, leathery, no hairs, straight, 5-11 cm long, long thin
constrictions between seeds.
Seeds olive green to brown, oblong, 8-10 mm long and 3-4 mm wide,
2-4 in each pod.
Threat / Problem
Can form dense thickets. Degrades the natural environment and restricts
pastoral activities through competition with desirable pasture species for
water, light and nutrients, impeding access to water points for stock and
interference with mustering.
Spread
Reproduction is by seed only. Seed is transported mainly in floodwaters
and internally by cattle. Rainfall events are the key periods initiating
major seedling recruitment and new infestations can arise rapidly.
Control
Biological controls are being developed in Queensland and Northern
Territory.
Non-selective, selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Mechanical (grubbing, chaining).
Spraying and mechanical control most effective in Winter and Spring before flowering. Cut and swab any time.
Can be confused with Prickly Acacia (Acacia nilotica), Mesquite
(Prosopis sp.) or Mimosa Bush (Acacia farnesiana).
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 27
S
H
R
U
B
S
Mature plant
Flower
CW
Seed Pods
CW
isolated occurrences
potential for invasion
CW
3 3
ONLY AS SEEDLINGS
S7
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 28
PARTHENIUM WEED
Parthenium hysterophorus
Declared
Native to the Caribbean. First recorded in Brisbane in 1955.
Description
Erect annual herb 30-150 cm high in the daisy family.
One main stem that branches in the upper half of the plant, grooved
lengthwise, becoming woody with age.
Leaves greyish green, deeply lobed, covered with short hairs. Rosette
leaves 8-20 cm long, stem leaves shorter.
Flowers white to cream. Both male and female flowers are on the one
plant. Male flower heads have 40 tubular florets and the female flower
heads have 5 florets. Both head types are small, 4-10 mm across, and
branch out from stems in clusters, Nov-Mar.
Seeds black, flattened, 2 mm long with two thin, white, spoon-like tails
at one end.
Roots branched taproot with many finer roots.
Threat / Problem
A vigorous colonist in poor and overgrazed pastures and readily takes
over bare areas. Does not usually invade well-managed crops and
pastures. Inhibits the growth and germination of other plants by
allelopathy. Contaminates the meat of stock forced to eat it. Can cause
allergic reactions in humans.
Spread
Reproduction is only by seed, which can germinate any time of year
given adequate moisture. Seed is adapted to dispersal by water and to a
lesser extent by wind. Spread is mainly along roads and stock routes. It
is usually spread in mud or soil on vehicles and equipment.
Control
Biological controls are used in Queensland where infestations are
severe.
Non-selective, selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Mow or grade.
Most effective in early Summer – as an immature plant, before flowering
and seed set.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 29
S
H
R
U
B
S
Mature plant
Seedling
Flower
QNRM
QNRM
QNRM
potential for invasion
3 3
S8
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 30
PRICKLY ACACIA
Acacia nilotica
Native to Africa, India and the Middle East, introduced to Queensland
as a shade, fodder and ornamental plant in the 1890s.
Description
Thorny, umbrella-shaped shrub or small tree 4-5 m high, occasionally to
10 m. Young shrubs form dense thorny thickets, while mature trees are
usually single stemmed, with spreading branches with few thorns.
Bark on saplings tinged of orange or green. Older trees have dark,
rough bark.
Leaves finely divided and fern-like, with 4-10 pairs of leaf branches
and 10-20 pairs of narrow green leaflets on each branch. Stout thorns,
1-5 cm long, in pairs at the base of the leaves.
Flowers golden-yellow, ball-shaped, about 1 cm in diameter, in groups
of 2-6, on stems from leaf joints, Mar-May.
Pods are 10-15 cm, flat, with narrow constrictions between the seeds,
grey when ripe. Distinctive necklace-like appearance.
Threat / Problem
Thorny thickets interfere with mustering and access to water. Pasture
quality decreases because little grows under the canopy. Facilitates
erosion and is a threat to biodiversity through the transformation of
grasslands into thorny shrublands.
Spread
Reproduction is by seed only. One medium sized tree can produce
175,000 viable seeds per year and seeds can remain viable in the soil
for at least seven years. Seed is transported by water, in mud on
vehicles and internally by cattle.
Control
Non-selective, selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Mechanical (grubbing, chaining).
Spraying and mechanical control most effective in Winter and early
Spring - before pod drop. Cut and swab any time.
Can be confused with Mesquite (Prosopis sp.) and Mimosa Bush
(Acacia farnesiana).
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 31
S
H
R
U
B
S
Mature plant
CW
Flower & leaves
Seed pods
CW
CW
potential for invasion
3 3
ONLY AS SEEDLINGS
S9
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 32
PRICKLY PEAR/WHEEL CACTUS
Opuntia spp.
Declared
Native to North and Central America.
Description
Spreading to erect succulent plant up to 2 m high, lacking or having a
poorly developed trunk.
Stems bluish-green, paddle shaped, fleshy segments (called cladodes).
Mature cladodes at the ends of branches are 15-30 cm long, 7-15 cm
wide and 1-2 cm thick. Cladodes have small cavities or depressions
from which flowers, roots or new cladodes can develop. These
depressions bear tufts of short, barbed bristles.
Leaves small and scale-like, at the base of young cladodes; shed as the
cladodes mature.
Flowers 5-6.5 cm diameter, petals lemon-yellow, borne on a fleshy base
on the edge of the cladodes.
Fruit reddish-purple when ripe, pear shaped, juicy, 4-6 cm long,
2.5-4 cm diameter, with tufts of barbed bristles. Deciduous when ripe.
Seeds yellow or pale-brown, rounded, 5 mm diameter, in centre of fruit.
Roots shallow and fibrous.
Threat / Problem
Competes strongly with other vegetation. Heavy infestations can form
impenetrable barriers. Plants are not usually grazed by livestock
because the spines and bristles damage tongues and lips. Bristles easily
penetrate human skin. Thickets provide a harbour for pest animals such
as rabbits, and fruit are host to fruit fly. Seed can remain dormant for
many years and germinate under very poor conditions.
Spread
New plants can grow from seed or when cladode segments or fruit drop
and take root. Seed is spread in the droppings of birds, foxes and other
animals. Human movement of plant parts during disposal is largely
responsible for new infestations.
Control
Cactoblastis or Cochineal insects may be used to thin infestations.
Selective herbicide.
DO NOT MOW. DO NOT GRADE.
Mechanical control with annual follow-up.
Most effective in early Spring - before flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 33
S
H
R
U
B
S
Mature plant
Flower
Fruit
CW
CW
localised in agricultural area
widespread east of Peterborough
NRM
7 7
S10
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 36
AFRICAN RUE
Peganum harmala
Declared NOTIFY REO
Native to northern Africa, Middle East and southern Asia.
Description
Multibranched, bushy, deep-rooted (branched tap root), summer active,
perennial, succulent herb to 50 cm tall with a characteristically bitter
smell.
Leaves alternate, bright green, succulent, smooth, finely and deeply cut
or divided with long, narrow segments 2.5-5 cm long. Foliage turns pink
in autumn and dies off to a khaki colour during winter.
Flowers white to cream with 5 petals, 2.5 cm in diameter with a yellow
centre, borne singly along the stem in the leaf forks, Oct-Apr.
Fruit leathery, spherical capsules 7-15 mm in diameter, orange-brown at
maturity with three cells opening by 3 valves at the apex to release
numerous dark brown to black angular seeds, 3-4 mm long. Plants may
produce 1000 fruit, each containing up to 40 seeds, Nov-May.
Threat / Problem
Unpalatable and toxic to stock, replaces valuable forage, reducing
pasture productivity. It is able to grow each year on the previous
season’s rainfall and prefers depressions or watercourses where there is
more soil moisture.
Spread
Reproduces primarily by seed, but roots can produce new shoots,
especially when severed. The seed is heavy and therefore probably only
dispersed by humans on machinery and vehicles and possibly in water.
Control
Selective, non-selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
DO NOT MOW. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in late Spring to early Summer with follow up in Autumn
– as an immature plant before flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 37
H
E
R
B
S
Mature plant
Flower
NRM
NRM
Fruit & seeds
NRM
7 7
H1
Weeds-1
9/7/08
4:44 PM
Page 38
CALOMBA DAISY
Oncosiphon suffruticosum
Declared
Introduced from South Africa in contaminated fodder.
Description
Low annual herb, with a strong chamomile scent.
Stems erect, to 0.6 m, with spreading branches.
Leaves small rosette, stem leaves grey-green and stalkless, 2-4 cm long,
divided, with thin lobes giving a feather-like appearance.
Flowers minute, mustard yellow, in broad flat groups of ball-shaped
heads at the top of stems, Oct-Nov. Each flower forms a seed 2 mm
long, resembling fine chaff, that germinates in autumn.
Threat / Problem
Unpalatable to stock, and reduces pasture production. Taints meat and
milk products. Dense stands can also reduce cereal crops yields.
Spread
Reproduces by seed that tend to remain in the flower head until it
breaks up. Spread occurs mainly when the whole flower head is broken
off and moved by wind, animals or vehicles or carried in fodder and
produce.
Control
Non-selective herbicide.
DO NOT MOW. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in early Spring after germination and host attachment
and before flowering.
Weeds-1
9/7/08
4:44 PM
Page 39
H
E
R
B
S
Infestation
NRM
Flower & leaves
Seedling
NRM
NRM
localised and spreading
in lower Mid North
7 7
H2
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 40
CALTROP
Tribulus terrestris
Declared
Native to South Africa and Middle East, most likely introduced from the
Middle East or Mediterranean region.
Description
Prostrate, annual (sometimes perennial) herb with stems up to 2 m
long.
Leaves opposite, each consisting of 4-8 pairs of spear shaped leaflets
with long hairs on the leaf margins and lower surface.
Stems round and hairy.
Flowers yellow, 8-15 mm diameter, with 5 petals.
Fruit a woody star-shaped burr about 1 cm in diameter with sharp
spines to 6 mm long. Burr consists of 5 wedge-shaped segments, each
segment with 2 unequal pairs of spines.
Seeds yellow 1.5-3 mm long, enclosed in burrs, with up to five in each
segment. Each plant can produce more than 2000 seeds.
Threat / Problem
Apart from the mechanical problems associated with the sharp spines of
burrs (e.g. puncturing bicycle tyres or injuring foot pads of working
dogs), this plant can be toxic to sheep, and sometimes cattle. Burrs
injure animal’s feet.
Spread
Caltrop is drought tolerant and a prolific seeder. Rigid spines on burrs
enable them to readily attach to anything soft. Easily spread through the
movement of burrs on tyres, shoes and machinery. Seed can survive for
several years in the soil.
Control
Selective, non-selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Grade. DO NOT MOW.
Most effective in Spring and Summer - as an immature plant before
flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 41
H
E
R
B
S
Mature plant
Flower
Fruit
NRM
NRM
NRM
localised and scattered
in mapped area
3 7
H3
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:02 PM
Page 42
CAPE TULIPS
Moraea spp.
Both Species Declared
Both are native to South Africa, introduced as garden ornamentals.
Description
Erect, bulbous perennial herbs, 30-60 cm tall, with grass-like
leaf/leaves, reproducing by corms (underground bulbs) and seeds.
Flowers and leaves are produced annually.
ONE LEAF CAPE TULIP
M. flaccida
Stem erect, somewhat zig-zagged, branched near summit.
Leaf near basal, to 1 m X 10-20 mm, flat, ribbed, trailing.
Flowers pink to bright orange, 25-40 mm long with six fused petals,
yellow markings in throat, sweet scented, usually single, Sep-Oct.
Fruit a narrow, beaked cylindrical, 3-valved capsule, 25-55 mm long.
Seeds 1-2 mm long, brown, irregular; up to 150 per capsule.
Corm white, globe-shaped, 12-25 mm in diameter, with light brown
fibrous tunic. No cormils.
TWO LEAF CAPE TULIP
M. miniata
Stem erect, loosely branched.
Leaves 2-3 near basal, to 1 m X 5-15 mm wide, flat, ribbed, trailing.
Flowers pink, 13-23 mm long with six fused petals, yellow and green
markings, sweet scented, single or small terminal clusters, Aug-Oct.
Fruit and seeds rarely formed.
Corm globe-shaped, with hard black tunic. After flowering numerous
cormils (1-2 mm long) form at the stem base and in axillary clusters.
Threat / Problem
Competes with and replaces desirable plants in pastures and native
vegetation. Poisonous to stock (green or dry).
Spread
Movement of seed, cormils and corms in contaminated soil on produce,
vehicles and machinery, and animals.
Control
Selective or non-selective herbicide.
DO NOT GRADE. DO NOT MOW.
Most effective in late Winter and early Spring, just before flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 43
H
E
R
B
S
Infestation
NRM
M. flaccida - Stems & flowers
NRM
widespread in agricultural area
M. flaccida - Bulbs
NRM
7 7
H4
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 44
CUT-LEAF MIGNONETTE
Reseda lutea
Declared
Native to the Mediterranean and Asia Minor.
Description
Perennial, sprawling or erect herb, branching from base, to 80 cm high.
Stems numerous.
Leaves 2-6 cm long, deeply cut into narrow pointed lobes.
Flowers numerous, small, greenish-yellow, formed in a spike along an
upright stem, Sep-Feb.
Seeds hard, shiny, black and angular, 1.75-2 mm long.
Fruit small, oblong, ribbed pods.
Roots extensive, deep and succulent.
Threat / Problem
Prolific seeder that strongly competes with crops and pastures and
contaminates grain.
Spread
Root fragments easily spread by cultivation or soil movement. Seeds
spread on stock, vehicles, hay and grain.
Control
Selective or non-selective herbicide.
Mow. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in Winter to early Spring - before flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 45
H
E
R
B
S
Mature plant
Fruit
NRM
NRM
widespread in agricultural area
Seedling
NRM
7 3
H5
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 46
HOREHOUND
Marrubium vulgare
Declared
Native to Eurasia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean
including North Africa. Introduced as a garden and medicinal herb, and
used in beer making; naturalised in Australia by 1840s.
Description
Bushy perennial plant, 30 to 80 cm high, sharply aromatic when
crushed, covered with dense whitish hairs.
Stems four-sided, up to 60 cm high, stout, branched, upright to trailing,
densely hairy, whitish, and woody at the base.
Leaves opposite, broadly oval to round, 1-3 cm diameter, wrinkled, the
margins irregularly lobed, upper surface bluish-green, lower surface
white-woolly, and stalks at least half as long as the blades. Veins are
sunken on upper surface and prominent underneath.
Flowers white, 6-10 mm long, arranged densely around the stems in the
leaf axils, Sep-Mar. Clusters of flowers dry to form brown burrs with
small hooked spines.
Seeds brown or black, ovoid or triangular, slightly roughened, 1-2 mm
long, up to 4 per capsule.
Roots branched with a woody taproot or rootstock and numerous fibrous
lateral roots.
Threat / Problem
Invades disturbed native vegetation. Bitter alkaloids make it unpalatable
for livestock. Burrs contaminate wool, and it taints the meat of animals
forced to eat it.
Spread
Seeds mainly dispersed by stock, as the burr readily attaches to wool,
fur, clothing and similar materials. Also dispersal by water.
Control
Selective, non-selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Mow or grade.
Most effective in Autumn and Spring - as an immature plant before
flowering.
Revegetation or promotion of desirable species must be the long term
management goal. Long term monitoring and follow-up is necessary.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 47
H
E
R
B
S
Mature plant
RMP
Burr clusters
NRM
widespread in agricultural area
Flowers & leaves
CW
3 3
H6
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 48
KHAKI WEED
Alternanthera pungens
Declared NOTIFY REO
Native to South America.
Description
Prostrate, perennial creeping herb found in seasonally moist habitats on
road verges, wasteland and disturbed river margins.
Stems branched, reddish purple, and covered with short soft hairs, root
at the nodes, and may reach 50 cm in length.
Leaves green to 5 cm long, oval shaped, pointed tips, in unequal
opposite pairs.
Flowers yellow to green, clustered in leaf axils. They emit a pungent
odour, and are surrounded by fine, straw-coloured, prickly burrs.
Tap root enlarged (carrot-like) and perennial.
Threat / Problem
Suspected poisoning in sheep and pigs, skin ailments in cattle. Burrs
contaminate wool and fodder. Plants spread by creeping stems can
quickly invade pastures and moist areas (creekbeds and drainage areas).
Seed prolific and viable for years.
Spread
Plants spread by creeping stems and burrs and seeds are very easily
picked up and transported on tyres, boots, clothing and animal hair.
Control
Non-selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management Practices
note).
DO NOT MOW. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in Spring and Summer - as an immature plant, prior to
seed set.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 49
H
E
R
B
S
Mature plant
Leaves
KB
CW
occasional and localised
in mapped area
Burrs
CW
7 7
H7
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 50
LINCOLN WEED
Diplotaxis tenuifolia
Declared
Native to the Mediterranean. First introduced in ship’s ballast, and sown
on Eyre Peninsula as pasture until 1960s.
Description
Erect hairless, perennial herb 0.2-0.8 m tall, reproducing from seeds,
crown and damaged root tissue. Plant regrows annually (not as a
rosette) in winter from crown of deep stout often branched taproot.
Strong foxy smell.
Leaves bright green, lower leaves deeply lobed on short stalks. Upper
leaves simple.
Flowers lemon yellow, 4 petals, 8-15 mm long, in small groups at the
ends of branches, all year round.
Fruit elongated pod, 20-60 mm X 1-2 mm with many (50-80) seeds in
2 rows separated by a longitudinal papery partition. Pod tip cone-shaped,
seedless.
Threat / Problem
Invades disturbed areas, particularly roadsides; produces prolific seed.
Competes with oilseed crops and cereal crops. Invades pasture, tainting
meat and dairy products.
Spread
Dispersed mainly as seed contaminating vehicles, water or mud. Some
limited spread is possible as root pieces on cultivation equipment.
Control
Non-selective herbicide.
Grade. DO NOT MOW when flowering.
Most effective in Spring - as an immature plant and before flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
Seed pods
3:03 PM
H
E
R
B
S
RMP
Infestation
Flower
Page 51
RMP
RMP
widespread in agricultural area
Plant
RMP
3 7
WHEN FLOWERING
H8
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 52
ONION WEED
Asphodelus fistulosus
Declared
Native to southern Europe and India.
Description
Erect, succulent, short-lived perennial that produces a lax clump of
hollow, cylindrical leaves up to 40 cm long.
Stems rigid and hollow with a silvery white onion-like skin at the base.
These look like onion leaves but do not have an onion smell.
Leaves slender, hollow and cylindrical, 1-3 mm wide growing from the
base of the plant.
Flowers 1.5 cm in diameter, 6 white petals with a brownish central
stripe, and are carried in alternating clusters on a branched stem to
60 cm high, Aug-Nov.
Fruit a globular wrinkled capsule, 4-6 mm in diameter in 3 segments,
each containing 1 or 2 seeds.
Seeds brown or black, triangular, 3-4 mm long, wrinkled and pitted.
Threat / Problem
Invasive, particularly in calcareous soils, abundant along road and rail
verges, from where it invades disturbed bushland, including arid
pastoral areas. Competes with pasture species, significantly reducing
production.
Spread
Reproduction is by seed and spread of roots through soil movement.
It is a prolific seeder and seeds remain viable for many years. Seed is
easily transported in soil on vehicles, boots and machinery.
Control
Onion weed does not compete well with native perennial species, and
revegetation with desirable species can be used as part of an integrated
management program.
Selective, non-selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Mow. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in Spring and Summer – as an immature plant before
flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 53
H
E
R
B
S
Infestation
CW
Mature plant
CW
widespread in agricultural area
Flower
CW
7 3
H9
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 54
SAFFRON THISTLE
Carthamus lanatus
Native to the Mediterranean and western Asia. It has spread widely to
other temperate areas, but only considered an important weed in
Australia. Naturalised in Victoria by 1887.
Description
Erect, often much-branched annual, commonly to about 1 metre, but
sometimes taller. Seeds mostly germinate in autumn and the plant is
present mainly as rosettes over Winter. The flower stem elongates in
spring and flowers are produced in early Summer.
Stems usually single in the base of the plant, branching in upper half,
stiff, ribbed, pale, covered in minute dense hairs.
Rosette leaves to 20 cm long, stalkless, stem-clasping, narrow,
triangular, deeply divided with narrow lobes, each lobe terminated by a
strong spine. Stem leaves shorter, rigid, stem clasping with stout spines.
Flowers solitary, stalkless, egg shaped, yellow, surrounded by spiny
bracts, borne at the ends of branches.
Seeds brownish-grey, 3 mm long with a four-angled base, sometimes
with a fringe of stiff bristles on one end. Each flower head produces
10-16 seeds.
Roots, unbranched tap root.
Threat / Problem
Spines cause injury to stock, particularly to the mouth, around the eyes,
and to hooves. Can cause significant reductions in crop yield.
Outcompetes other plants in low nutrient soils.
Spread
Reproduction is only by seed. Seed is large and is not carried far by
wind, but easily carried long distances by water. Seed and seed-heads
can attach to the coats of animals, clothing and other fibrous materials.
Control
Integrated control methods are required. The aim is to exhaust the soil
seed bank using a combination of chemical and mechanical practices.
Non-selective herbicide.
Mow or grade.
Most effective in Winter and early Spring - as immature plants before
flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 55
H
E
R
B
S
Mature plant
Flower head
Rosette
NRM
NRM
NRM
localised and scattered
in mapped area
common in southern Flinders
3 3
H10
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 56
SALVATION JANE
Echium plantagineum
Declared
Native to western Europe. Introduced as an ornamental garden plant in
1843.
Description
Erect annual herb to 60 cm high covered in short bristly hairs. Usually
seeds germinate in autumn and form a rosette over winter. Stems form
in late winter and flowering starts in spring continuing for several
months. Plants die in summer.
Leaves green to light-green, alternate, hairy, thick. Rosette leaves to
30 cm long, elliptical to paddle-shaped, hairy, distinctly veined, shortly
stalked. Stem leaves smaller, strongly hairy, stalkless, heart-shaped at
base, almost clasping the stem.
Flowers purplish-blue (rarely pink or white), funnel-shaped, 30-40 mm
long produced in terminal clusters, 5 protruding stamens, 2 longer than
other 3, Sep - Dec. The green calyx remains after the corolla falls,
enclosing 4 seeds.
Seeds dark-brown to grey, tough, angular, beaked, 3 mm long, 2 mm
wide, three sided, strongly wrinkled and pitted. Up to 30,000 seeds/m2
can be produced in ungrazed pastures.
Stout taproot with numerous laterals.
Threat / Problem
Highly competitive prolific seeder and the large, flat rosette smothers
emerging seedlings. Horses and pigs are susceptible to the toxic
alkaloids it contains and can die from poisoning. The stiff bristles
irritate cows udders, and can cause hay fever and allergies in humans.
Spread
Propagation is by seed only. Spread in contaminated hay, fodder and
grain or by water. Seeds eaten by animals pass through the digestive
tract and are still viable in droppings.
Control
Selective, non-selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Mow or grade.
Most effective in Winter - at rosette stage before stem growth and
flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 57
H
E
R
B
S
Mature plant
Infestation
Flower
Rosette
JM
NRM
JM
NRM
localised and scattered
occurrences in mapped area
3 3
H11
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 58
SCABIOUS
Scabiosa atropurpurea
Native to the Mediterranean. Introduced as an ornamental garden plant.
Description
Untidy, spindly, branched, perennial herb to 0.8 m tall.
Branches wiry, more or less ridged with simple hairs.
Leaves highly variable, deeply lobed on short stalks. Upper leaves
simpler with less lobes.
Flowers white, pink, purple to deep red, terminal on stems and
branches. Flower head a hemispherical cluster with outer rings of
flowers with longer petals, giving it a daisy-like appearance, mainly
Sep-Feb, but may flower at any time.
Fruit dried elliptical cluster of persistent bracts with stiff bristles.
Threat / Problem
Invades disturbed areas, particularly roadsides and edges of native
vegetation and grasslands.
Spread
Reproduces from seed, dispersed in soil or mud on vehicles, water and
wind.
Control
Non-selective herbicide.
Grade. DO NOT MOW.
Most effective in Autumn and Winter - as an immature plant or before
flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 59
H
E
R
B
S
Infestation
RMP
Flower & seed head
Young plant
RMP
RMP
widespread in agricultural area
3 7
H12
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 60
SILVERLEAF NIGHTSHADE
Solanum elaeagnifolium
Declared NOTIFY REO
Native to North and South America. First Australian record was in
Melbourne in 1909.
Description
Erect, bushy, summer growing perennial herb, 30-80 cm high, reproducing
by seed and from creeping perennial roots.
Stems erect, branched, densely covered in fine hairs and with numerous
slender orange prickles.
Leaves silvery white, alternate, 2.5-10 cm long, 1-2 cm wide, margins
often scalloped; often with orange prickles on the veins.
Flowers purple, occasionally white, 2.5-4 cm in diameter, with five fused
petals forming a shallow tube and five yellow anthers.
Fruit a smooth globular berry 1.0-1.5 cm diameter, green with dark
striations when immature, yellow and orange mottled and becoming
wrinkled when ripe; up to 60 per plant.
Seed light and dark brown, rounded, flattened, 2.5-4 mm diameter, up to
75 seeds in each fruit.
Roots branched, vertical and horizontal roots often over 2 metres deep,
including some horizontal roots which produce new aerial growth each year.
Threat / Problem
Competes with other vegetation for water and nutrients, mainly in fallows
and pasture. All parts of the plant and particularly the ripe fruit are toxic
to animals, cattle more than sheep.
Spread
Plants spread by seed or root pieces. Root fragments as short as 1 cm can
regenerate. Horizontal roots produce new plants up to 1 m from parent
plants. Seeds are be spread by wind, water, machinery, birds and animals
(externally and internally).
Control
Selective, non-selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Mow. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in Autumn and Spring – as an immature plant, before
flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 61
H
E
R
B
S
Mature plant
NRM
Flower & leaves
Fruit
NRM
NRM
localised occurrences
in agricultural area
7 3
H13
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 62
SKELETON WEED
Chondrilla juncea
Declared NOTIFY REO
Native to southwestern Asia and the Mediterranean. Accidentally
introduced around 1900.
Description
A perennial plant to 1 metre high appearing as a rosette of dark green,
toothed leaves flat on the ground in Spring.
Stems erect to 1 metre high, tough, widely branching, with scattered
leaves; ooze thick milky latex when broken.
Flower heads widely spaced, daisy-like, 1 cm wide with numerous
strap-shaped yellow florets, Dec-Apr.
Seeds 4-5 mm long with an umbrella-like arrangement of bristles on a
stalk at one end.
Root, a deep taproot.
Threat / Problem
Competes with cereal crops and stems can block machinery and hinder
harvesting.
Spread
Reproduction is by suckers from the deep, thin taproot and it is also a
prolific seeder. Spread by wind and by root fragments.
Control
Control using herbicides is limited.
Selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management Practices note).
Mow. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in Winter and early Spring - as immature rosettes before
producing stems.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 63
H
E
R
B
S
Mature plant
Seeds
Stems
NRM
NRM
NRM
localised and scattered
in mapped area
common in central EP
7 3
H14
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 64
SOURSOB
Oxalis pes-caprae
Declared
Native to South Africa. Introduced as an ornamental garden plant to
Victoria in 1839.
Description
Small, bulbous, succulent perennial herb to 30 cm with underground
bulbs and aerial parts that die back each year in the Summer.
Stems unbranched from a small crown at ground level.
Leaves crowded at base of plant, clover-like, bright green, consisting of
3 heart-shaped leaflets, often speckled.
Flowers bright yellow in clusters of 3-25 on stems that protrude above
the foliage.
Seed capsule rarely developed in Australia.
Bulbs egg-shaped and pointed, 8-15 mm long with a dark brown papery
cover, one on tuber, two on old bulb. Many small white bulbils form on
the white fleshy tuber and in the lower leaf axils.
Threat / Problem
Competes strongly with cereal crops, pastures and native vegetation in
disturbed areas. Oxalates in the foliage cause chronic kidney damage to
livestock. Infestations of 3000 plants/m2 are not uncommon and each
adult plant can produce up to 50 new plants every year.
Spread
Spread mainly by dispersal of the numerous bulbils. During vegetative
growth, cut sections of the stem can also form new plants. Without
disturbance, infestations spread sideways only slowly. Bulbs and bulbils
are easily spread in contaminated soils or on vehicles or equipment.
They are rapidly spread by soil disturbance or cultivation or carried by
water.
Control
Selective or non-selective herbicide.
Mow. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in Autumn to early Winter - after tuber is depleted, before
new bulbils form, during flowering. Spraying after flowering when bulbils
have formed is totally ineffective.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 65
H
E
R
B
S
Infestation
Flower
NRM
NRM
Bulb, bulbil & tuber
widespread in agricultural area
NRM
7 3
H15
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 66
STAR THISTLE
Centaurea calcitrapa
Native to central and southern Europe.
Description
Annual or biennial, densely branched herb to 1 m tall.
Leaves basal leaves (to 20 cm long) with deep serrated lobes. Upper
leaves simpler with less lobes.
Flowers purple, terminal on stems and branches. Flower head a
hemispherical cluster with outer rings of flowers with longer petals,
giving it a daisy-like appearance, mainly Sep-Feb, but may flower at any
time.
Fruit dried elliptical cluster of persistent bracts with stiff bristles.
Threat / Problem
Invades disturbed areas, particularly roadsides and edges of native
vegetation and grasslands.
Spread
Reproduces from seed, dispersed by soil or mud on vehicles, water and
wind.
Control
Non-selective herbicide.
Grade. DO NOT MOW.
Most effective in late Summer and Autumn - as an immature plant or
before flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 67
H
E
R
B
S
Plant
UIB
Fruit
UIB
Infestation
localised and scattered
in mapped area
common in Mid North
JM
3 7
H16
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 68
STINKWORT
Dittrichia graveolens
Native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, Africa and Middle East.
Description
Erect, sticky, annual herb with a strong camphor small to 0.5 m tall.
Stems hairy and green, forming from a central axis.
Leaves rosette leaves to 10 cm long stem leaves to 5 cm long.
Flowers daisy type, heads small, yellow, 7-10 mm long by 3-5 mm
diameter, Mar-April.
Threat / Problem
Quickly colonises bare areas, particularly graded road shoulders,
competes with native grasses and herbs.
Spread
Seed spread by wind, water, animals (external), machinery and
contaminated soil.
Control
Selective or non-selective herbicide.
Mow or grade.
Most effective in early Autumn – spot spray with recommended
herbicide at rosette stage before flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 69
H
E
R
B
S
Infestation
RMP
widespread in agricultural area
Flower & leaves
DT
3 3
H17
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 70
WILD SAGE
Salvia verbenaca
Native to Europe and Asia.
Description
Slightly aromatic, mint-like, perennial herb with one to several erect
stems to 0.7 m.
Leaves a rosette of rough, lobed, deeply-veined, stalked leaves with
scalloped edges. Flowering stems grow from centre of rosette.
Stems flowering stem is quadrangular, to 0.7 m high, with small
unstalked leaves.
Flowers blue to purple, in whorls of six, widely spaced along the
terminal part of the stem, Jul-Nov.
Threat / Problem
Invades disturbed areas, such as cultivated paddocks, around buildings
and roadside shoulders.
Spread
Reproduces from seed, dispersed in soil or mud on vehicles and water.
Control
Selective or non-selective herbicide.
Mow or grade.
Most effective in Autumn and Winter - as an immature plant or before
flowering and seed set.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 71
H
E
R
B
S
Infestation
RMP
Flowering stem
Leaves
UIB
UIB
widespread in the agricultural area
3 3
H18
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 74
BRIDAL CREEPER
Asparagus asparagoides
Declared
Native to southern Africa. Introduced as an ornamental garden plant in
1857.
Description
Perennial climber with long, wiry stems and rhizomatous roots
producing clusters of fleshy tubers. Seeds germinate in autumn or early
winter and the above ground growth dies off in early summer.
Stems to 3 m long but often less, slender, wiry, twining, slightly woody
at the base when mature, much branched.
Cladodes (leaf-like modified stems) glossy, light green, 1-7 cm long
(commonly 1-4.5 cm) and 4-30 mm wide (commonly 5-16 mm),
stalkless, alternate, broad at the base, with a pointed tip.
Flowers 8-9 mm in diameter, sweetly scented, borne singly or in pairs
on axillary stalks growing from the cladode axils; 6 white petals and
sepals, 6 orange stamens.
Fruit a round berry, 6-10 mm in diameter, ripening to dark red,
becoming sticky, Oct-Jan.
Seeds 2-4 mm diameter, black, shiny, spherical 1-9 per fruit.
Roots dark, cylindrical branching rhizomes bearing numerous pale,
fleshy tubers which become entwined forming a dense mass in the soil.
Threat / Problem
Extremely competitive. Stems smother native vegetation and can form
an impenetrable web that impedes access. The tuber mat forms a thick
barrier just below the soil surface, limiting moisture and nutrients for
other plants.
Spread
Seed dispersed by birds, foxes, rabbits and in mud on animals, clothing
and machinery. New plants grow from broken pieces of root, which may
be carried by water. Stems can take root where nodes contact the soil.
Control
Non-selective herbicide.
Mowing ineffective. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in Winter - after flowering when tubers are depleted,
before seeds set and fruits form. Integrating fire, herbicide, revegetation
with native grasses and biological control are most effective.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 75
C
L
I
M
B
E
R
S
&
Infestation
DH
Flowers & cladodes
Fruit
CS
DH
isolated occurrences in
mapped area
common in south
7 7
C
R
E
E
P
E
R
S
C1
CX
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 76
FIELD BINDWEED
Convolvulus arvensis
Declared
Native to Europe and Asia.
Description
Prostrate, trailing, twining, weakly climbing perennial vine with stems
up to 2 m long.
Stems trailing, twining, herbaceous, appearing angled because of
twisting.
Leaves dark green, alternate, hairless, variable in shape, often with
distinct basal lobes, to 10 cm X 5 cm.
Flowers white to light pink, funnel-shaped, to 3 cm in diameter, single
or in loose groups on short stalks (to 6 cm), May-Sep.
Fruit smooth, rounded, globular, light brown capsule to 4-6 mm in
diameter.
Seeds rough, dark brown to black, 3-4 mm long, 25-300 per plant.
Roots extensive, deeply descending network of rhizomes to 6 m deep.
Threat / Problem
Smothers and competes with other vegetation; Extremely persistent seed
(viability > 50 years).
Spread
Seeds fall near parent plants and can be transported by water and in
soil if moved during earthworks. Viable seeds are also spread internally
by grazing animals and birds.
Control
Selective or non-selective herbicide.
Mow. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in early Spring at first flowering bloom.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 77
C
L
I
M
B
E
R
S
&
Infestation
Flower
UCD
RMP
Seedling
UCD
localised and scattered
in mapped area
7 3
C
R
E
E
P
E
R
S
C2
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 80
AFRICAN LOVEGRASS
Eragrostis curvula
Declared
Native to South Africa.
Description
Tufted perennial grass 0.2-1.2 m high. Seeds germinate in Autumn or
Spring given adequate moisture. Growth slows or stops in Winter.
Stems slender and arching, sometimes bent at the lower nodes, up to
1.2 m long.
Leaves dark green to blue-green, blades 3 mm wide and 25-35 cm long,
narrowly tapered and often curled near tips, margins often folded or
rolled inwards. Between the leaf blade and the sheath is a conspicuous
ring or beard of hairs.
Flowers grey or leaden-green, in groups of 4 to 13, 4-10 mm long and
1-1.5 mm wide; flower heads vary from compact to loose, and form
spreading panicles 6-30 cm long and up to 20 cm wide.
Seeds creamy to dark orange or almost brown, 0.3-0.7 mm long,
Jan-Mar.
Roots fibrous to 50 cm deep.
Threat / Problem
Very invasive in pasture due to its high reproductive rate and low
palatability when mature. Its rapid rate of spread during summer and
dense tussock form result in sparse pastures being overtaken. A good
invader of disturbed areas such as roadsides, and tolerates moderately
saline soils.
Spread
Seed can be spread short distances by wind and is also dispersed by
animals, machinery, vehicles and in hay. It is readily spread during road
construction in contaminated soils.
Control
Non-selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management Practices
note).
Mow or grade.
Most effective in Spring - early growth phase, before flowering and seed
set.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 81
G
R
A
S
S
E
S
Mature plant
Seed heads
NRM
NRM
Immature seed head
widespread in the agricultural area
JM
3 3
G1
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 82
BUFFEL GRASS
Cenchrus ciliaris
Native of southern Asia and east Africa. Introduced as an improved
pasture.
Description
Deep rooted perennial grass with a range of plant forms, from tall, with
rhizomes, to short and tussocky. Tall varieties can reach 1 m high.
Stems branched or bent.
Leaves flat, tapering to a fine point, 3-6 mm wide.
Flower heads like an orange-tinged foxtail, on stems 2-5 cm long, seeds
enclosed in fine bristles. Each bristle cluster may contain 1-4 seeds.
Roots rhizomatous, deep.
Threat / Problem
Displaces native grasses forms dense swards in moist habitats such as
river banks and alluvial pans. Establishes well on soils with a loose, soft
surface and also alters fire regimes.
Spread
New plants grow from seed or root parts. Spread by wind, water, and on
vehicles and equipment.
Control
Selective, non-selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
DO NOT MOW. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in Spring - before flowering.
See REO for Action Plan.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 83
82
Infestation
G
R
A
S
S
E
S
CW
Mature plant
CW
Flowering heads
localised in mapped area
CW
7 7
G2
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 84
COOLATAI GRASS
Hyparrhenia hirta
Native to Africa and the Mediterranean. Introduced for pasture
improvement in the 1960s.
Description
Densely tufted, tussock-forming, longlived, perennial grass to 1.5 m
high.
Leaves blades flat, tapering to a narrow point, 10-30 cm X 1-5 mm.
Flowers flowering head loose and elongated, erect or nodding, 15-30 cm
long with few to many paired flower clusters, each pair supported by a
pinkish bract, Jan-Mar. The flowering head expands and becomes very
fluffy when dry.
Roots to 3 m deep.
Threat / Problem
Very invasive in native vegetation once established. Increases fire risk
and generally avoided by stock. Low fodder value.
Spread
Seed can be spread short distances by wind and is also dispersed by
animals, machinery, vehicles and in hay. Also spread during road
construction in contaminated soils.
Control
Selective or non-selective or herbicide.
Mow or grade.
Most effective in Spring - early growth phase, before flowering and seed
set.
See REO for Action Plan.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 85
Flowering head
UIB
G
R
A
S
S
E
S
localised and spreading
in lower Mid North
Tussock & seed
UIB
3 3
G3
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 86
COUCH GRASS
Cynodon dactylon
Found in many parts of the world, especially Africa, cultivated as a turf
grass.
Description
Perennial, prostrate grass with creeping stems; actively grows after rain.
Stems branched, creeping with numerous nodes. Flowering stems erect
to 25 cm high.
Leaves blades flat or folded, 5-30 mm long, dark green.
Flowers very small, in 2 rows along one side of 2-6 spikes; spikes
2-5 cm long, arranged radially from the end of the erect flowering stem,
all year round.
Roots shallow, fibrous, develop from leaf and stem nodes; can form a
dense thatch.
Threat / Problem
Extremely invasive and vigorous. Can densely cover bare areas and root
growth can crack and lift road pavements. Can invade native bushland
from the edges, smothering and outcompeting native ground covers.
Spread
Very easily spread by seed and stem fragments. Seed carried through
soil movement, in water, by wind and on vehicles, clothing and animals
coats.
Control
Selective, non-selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
DO NOT MOW. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in Autumn to early Winter - whilst actively growing,
before flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 87
G
R
A
S
S
E
S
Roadside infestation
RMP
Stems & flowering stems
Plant in pavement
RMP
RMP
common throughout mapped area
7 7
G4
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 88
FEATHERGRASSES
Pennisetum spp.
All these Pennisetum spp. originated in Africa and were introduced as
ornamental garden plants. All have spike-like flower heads, persistent
for much of the year.
AFRICAN FEATHERGRASS (Declared)
P. macrourum
Tufted, erect perennial grass 1-2 m tall in dense multi-stemmed
tussocks.
Leaves 50 cm X 12 mm, ribbed on upper surface, tips in-rolled.
Flower heads in a cylindrical spike 10-30 cm X 1 cm, purplish, yellow
or brown, Oct-Apr.
FOUNTAIN GRASS
P. setaceum
Tufted, erect perennial grass to 1 m tall in dense multi-stemmed
tussocks.
Leaves to 40 cm long and 3 mm wide, rough to touch.
Flower heads in a cylindrical spike 8-15 cm X 3-4 cm, purplish, Jan,
and Apr-Jun.
FEATHERTOP GRASS
P. villosum
Tufted perennial grass 30-70 cm tall in dense multi-stemmed tussocks.
Leaves green or blue-green, to 6 blades per stem, to 30 cm long,
strongly ribbed with fine serrations on the margin.
Flower heads spike-like, bristly, 2-12 cm X 2 cm, white to straw-coloured,
Feb-Jun.
Threat / Problem
All these Pennisetum spp. are highly invasive, and compete with native
species. Nurseries continue to sell and promote their use as ornamentals.
Spread
All these Pennisetum spp. are spread by water, wind, animals (external),
machinery, contaminated soil or dumped garden waste. Root segments
are easily spread by grading. P. setaceum much more easily spread from
seed.
Control
Control is usually difficult. Small outbreaks or outliers of large infestations
should be controlled as soon as possible to contain the spread.
Non-selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management Practices note).
DO NOT MOW. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in Spring and early Summer before rhizome growth and
flowering – cut and remove top growth, spray green regrowth with
recommended herbicide.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 89
G
R
A
S
S
E
S
P. setaceum - Infestation
RMP
P. villosum - Whole plant
JM
P. macrourum - Head
UIB
isolated occurrences in
mapped area
7 7
G5
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 90
INNOCENT WEED
Cenchrus incertus & C. longispinus
Declared NOTIFY REO
Native to North America.
Description
Spring / Summer growing annual grass to 80 cm tall with several
flowering stems produced from a bent or prostrate base.
Stems erect, bearing a loose spike of 8-16 burrs.
Leaves few, blades flat, 3-8 mm wide, tapering to a fine point, with fine
serrations on the margin.
Flowers inconspicuous and terminal, Dec-Mar.
Burrs oval, up to 1 cm wide, straw-coloured or purplish with 12-14
slender barbed spines.
Seeds red-brown with 1-4 per burr.
Threat / Problem
Burrs contaminate produce and can damage wool and hides. Repeated
germination can occur after rain between September and late summer.
Spread
Burrs are easily spread on clothing, tyres, stock, and in produce such as
hay. Mature plants often break off at ground level and are spread by
wind.
Control
Non-selective, selective or residual herbicide (see Weed Management
Practices note).
Mow or grade.
Most effective in Spring to early Summer – as an immature plant before
flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 91
G
R
A
S
S
E
S
Mature plant
NRM
localised and occasional
in mapped area
Seeds
NRM
3 3
G6
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 92
KIKUYU
Pennisetum clandestinum
Native to eastern Africa, introduced as a lawn grass.
Description
Rhizomatous and stoloniferous creeping perennial grass.
Stems prostrate or erect to 0.5 m, hairless, often branched.
Leaves flat or folded, bright green, hairless to 35 cm long and 6 mm
wide.
Flower heads in groups of inconspicuous spikelets to 20 mm long,
enclosed in upper leaf sheaths, Sep-Jan.
Threat / Problem
Invasive in moist places, chokes drains and culverts, competes with
native species.
Spread
Seed spread by movement of rhizomes and stolons in contaminated soil
or dumped garden waste.
Control
Non-selective herbicide.
Mow. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in Spring to Summer, before flowering – spot spray with
recommended herbicide.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 93
G
R
A
S
S
E
S
Infestation
RMP
widespread in agricultural area
Stem
UIB
7 3
G7
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 94
PHALARIS
Phalaris aquatica
Native to North Africa and the Mediterranean. Introduced as a pasture
grass. Readily grazed by stock. A common weed of degraded roadsides
in high rainfall areas.
Description
Perennial grass to 1.2 m tall growing in dense, thick tussocks.
Stems smooth, cylindrical, erect.
Leaves blades flat, bright green.
Flower heads dense, cylindrical, 5-12 cm long, Nov-Jan.
Roots short, wiry, branched rhizome.
Threat / Problem
Invades disturbed places and competes with native species. Dense
stands increase fire risk and create potential road safety hazards.
Spread
Seeds spread by water, wind, animals (external), contaminated soil or
dumped garden waste. Basal parts of tussocks may be spread by soil
movement.
Control
Heavy grazing early in the season can reduce seed set. Regular slashing
can reduce seed set. Dig or spot spray isolated plants, and remove the
seed heads for safe disposal.
Non-selective or selective herbicide.
Mow. DO NOT GRADE.
Most effective in Winter to Spring - as an immature plant before rhizome
growth and flowering.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 95
G
R
A
S
S
E
S
Infestation
Seed heads
RMP
RMP
widespread in agricultural area
Flowering head
RMP
7 3
G8
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 96
RICE MILLET
Piptatherum miliaceum
Native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, Africa and Middle East.
Description
Slender, open, cane-like perennial tufted grass to over 1 m tall.
Stems erect, jointed and cylindrical.
Leaves flat, glossy, dark green and hairless to 40 cm long and 10 mm
wide.
Flower heads golden-brown, branched, open and sparse 15-35 cm long,
Oct-Mar (can flower all year round).
Threat / Problem
Invasive, competes with native species.
Spread
Seed spread by wind, water, animals (external), machinery,
contaminated soil or dumped garden waste.
Control
Non-selective herbicide.
Grade. DO NOT MOW.
Most effective in Winter to late Spring before flowering – spot spray with
recommended herbicide.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 97
G
R
A
S
S
E
S
Infestation
RMP
widespread in agricultural area
Seed head
UIB
3 7
G9
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 98
GLOSSARY
Alternate: leaves developed singly at different levels on opposite sides of
the stem.
Annual: a plant that completes its life cycle within one year.
Axil: the upper angle between the stem and a leaf.
Berry: a fleshy or succulent fruit with few to many seeds.
Bract: a leaf-like structure or scale, in the axil of which arises a flower
or inflorescence.
Bulb: a storage organ, usually underground, consisting of a short stem
and swollen leaf bases surrounded by dry leaf bases (e.g. onions).
Capsule: a dry fruit that opens at maturity to release the seeds.
Compound: (leaf) consists of a number of leaflets arranged about a
main stalk.
Environmental weed: a plant that invades and degrades native bushland,
wetlands and waterways.
Exotic: introduced from another country or region.
Fruit: seed-bearing structure developed from the ovary of flowering
plants after fertilisation.
Herb: a plant that does not produce a woody stem.
Inflorescence: a group of flowers arising from one main stem.
Leaflet: the individual segments comprising a compound leaf.
Legume: pod of the wattle family (Leguminosae).
Linear: long, narrow, straight, parallel-sided (especially most grass leaf
blades).
Naturalised: a plant which maintains exotic populations in the wild.
Node: the part of the stem from which one or more leaves originate.
Opposite: leaves arranged opposite each other on sides of the stem.
Perennial: a plant that persists for three or more years.
Propagule: a unit capable of producing a new individual or plant, such
as a seed, cutting, tuber or rhizome.
Rhizome: a specialised stem structure that grows horizontally at or just
below the ground surface (e.g. many bamboo species).
Stolon: a stem, usually horizontal, which takes root at the nodes.
Succulent: fleshy and usually soft.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 99
WEED ID SIGNAGE
To help stop the spread of some especially high priority weeds,
individual or discrete infestations are identified by PEST WEED signs on
guide posts (or droppers where there are no guide posts). These signs
are displayed to be visible when travelling with the traffic stream (i.e.
left side of road).
This sign is erected on the first
guidepost before the infestation and
indicates the start of a weed presence
and the need for specific weed
management practices
This sign is erected on the first
guidepost after the infestation and
indicates the end of a weed presence
and its specific management
requirements
If unclear on what specific management is required between these signs
contact the REO who will clarify the options e.g. African rue on Stuart
Highway - only grade 1 metre wide or not at all etc.
Weeds-1
8/7/08
3:03 PM
Page 100
CONTACTS
Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure
Transport Services Division
Regional Environmental Officer (Port Augusta)
Regional Environmental Officer (Crystal Brook)
(08) 8648 5242
(08) 8638 5534
Environmental Systems Unit (Adelaide)
(08) 8343 2398
Landscape (Adelaide)
(08) 8343 2201
Natural Resources Management Boards
Northern and Yorke (Crystal Brook)
Upper North (Orroroo)
Lower North (Riverton)
Yorke Peninsula (Minlaton)
(08)
(08)
(08)
(08)
8636
8658
8847
8853
2361
1086
2544
2795
Eyre Peninsula (Port Lincoln)
Southern Eyre (Port Lincoln)
Eastern Eyre (Cleve)
Western Eyre (Ceduna)
Central Eyre (Elliston)
(08)
(08)
(08)
(08)
(08)
8682
8682
8628
8625
8687
5655
7555
2077
3060
9275
Arid Lands (Port Augusta)
(08) 8648 5977
Alinytjara Wilurara (Adelaide)
(08) 8357 3880
Government and Non-Government Organisations
Department for Environment and Heritage
(08) 8648 5300
Poisons Information Centre
13 1126
Emergency services
000