Nicole McGuiness, Animal & Plant Control Consultant, Rural Solutions SA

Recognising the diverse range of flora and fauna in the region the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, through the Upper South East Program has secured funding under the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water quality, to invest in supporting landholders to manage the native vegetation that remains on their property.

Boneseed is a weed that poses a serious threat to bushland throughout southern Australia.  The threat is so great it has been recognised, along with 19 other weeds, to be a Weed of National Significance.

Boneseed is a large shrub, generally 1.5 to 2m tall, but has been known to reach 3m.  It has green, somewhat fleshy, leaves with small ‘teeth’ on their margins toward the tip.  Boneseed produces bright yellow daisy flowers, which, once pollinated, develop into berries.  Several birds and animals eat the berries spreading it across the landscape.

In the South East Boneseed is only known from a few locations, but has the potential to invade nearly all remaining bushland in the South East.  A rare opportunity exists to get on top of this weed and prevent its spread into new areas, possibly even eradicate it from some key locations.

Rural Solutions SA is conducting a workshop on the identification and control of Boneseed at Millicent on Monday 12 November, 10:00am to 1:00pm (lunch provided). Please call Nicole McGuiness (0428 882 521) for more information and to book a place.