Eighty introduced plants species were identified by Douglas Shire Biosecurity Working Group as current or potential pests to one or more of the various land uses in the Douglas Shire Council area.
Of these, the pest plants with the highest priority rating were included in Council’s Biosecurity Management Plan.
Salvinia is widespread and can be found in creek systems in Port Douglas & Wonga Beach. It is commonly detected in water features, garden ponds and aquariums.
Description
The Salvinia weed is a floating fern with small oval leaves covered in coarse hairs which repels water. As the plant matures it turns from bright green to brown and bunches into tight rafts.
Environmental Impacts
Salvinia rapidly reproduces and can cover entire water surfaces limiting oxygen making the water unsuitable for fish and other animals.
To learn more about Salvinia Weed:
View the QLD Government Salvinia Fact Sheet here
View the Council’s Biosecurity Salvinia Action Plan here
Contact DSC to report any suspect plants on 07 4099 9444
Click on the below links to learn more about high priority weeds in the Douglas Shire.
Click Here to learn more about invasive weeds in Queensland.
Prohibited Invasive Plants of Queensland
Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, certain species of invasive plants are listed as ‘Prohibited’ matter. It is an offence to deal with prohibited matter or fail to report its presence. Read more and view Queensland’s prohibited invasive plants Here.
Restrictive Invasive Plants of Queensland
Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, certain species of invasive plants are listed as ‘Restrictive’ biosecurity matter. Plants listed under restrictive biosecurity matter are categorised into 2, 3, 4 and 5. Each category have different restrictions based on the risk posed by that invasive plant. Read more about restrictive invasive plants of Queensland and view the categories Here.
Recommended Queensland Weed Identification App
The Weed Spotter App allows you to email photographs of plants to the Queensland Herbarium for identification. It has been developed to support the Weed Spotters Network, a joint project between the Queensland Herbarium, Biosecurity Queensland and local governments with funding support from the Land Protection Fund. The Weed Spotter app is now available for Android smartphones via the Google Play Store.
Learn more about the Weed Spotters App and how to use it here.
Apple’s iPhone users can simply use their camera to identify plants by following these steps:
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