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.
Siam weed is considered one of the world’s most invasive weeds. We have current sightings of Siam in the Killaloe and Mossman area. It threatens agricultural production systems and forestry plantations.
Description
A scrambling woody shrub to 3 metres (sometimes higher as a scrambling
climber) with distinctive forked leaf venation and purple flush on new leaves. Siam produces clusters of mauve-white flowers in May-June and October.
Methods of Spread
Each seed has a tuft of white hairs that allow it to be transported by wind and water. Seeds will also attach to vehicles, machinery, clothing, footwear and animals.
Health issues and toxicity
Siam weed may also cause skin complaints and asthma in
allergy-prone people. Siam weed contains very high nitrate levels and has been known to effect breeding of stock.
To learn more about Siam Weed:
View the QLD Government fact sheet here
View the Council’s Biosecurity Siam 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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