Biosecurity Queensland has issued a major alert, saying the north of the State is under attack from an exotic weed called ‘limnocharis’.
The Agency said the weed had the potential to choke waterways and people should report anything that “looked suspicious”.
Engagement Officer at Biosecurity Queensland, Kim Badcock said limnocharis was a highly invasive aquatic plant from South America.
“It was first found here 20 years ago and we need to eradicate this serious pest before it becomes permanently established,” Mr Badcock said.
“Limnocharis rapidly takes over waterways,” he said.
“It grows densely along the water’s edge to about one metre in height with pale green, oval-shaped leaves at the end of long triangular stems, and yellow flowers about the size of a 50c piece.”
Mr Badcock said the spread of this plant was partly due to people cultivating it as a vegetable, but anyone who grew, sold or kept limnocharis risked a fine.
“It may look nice, but it’s an invader that chokes waterways and pushes out native species, causing all sorts of environmental and agricultural problems,” he said.
“Keep an eye out for it in ornamental ponds, dams, creeks, swamps, drains, backyards and being sold online, and immediately report anything suspicious to Biosecurity Queensland,” Mr Badcock said.
