Narrabri Shire Council Biosecurity Officers have discovered that Sticky Florestina (Florestina tripteris) is on the march down from Queensland (where the weed is typically only found).
Authorities believe the weed has made its way to our region predominantly on the back of sheep. Sticky Florestina was introduced to Australia by accident, having mixed in with pasture grass seed in the mid 1960s.
Council’s Biosecurity Coordinator Clare Felton-Taylor said with its small white flowers, Sticky Florestina could often be mistaken for Parthenium.
“When flowering Sticky Florestina and Parthenium look near identical. It’s important for land managers to understand the differences between each plant,” she said.
“All parts of Sticky Florestina are toxic and unpalatable to grazing stock.”
“With its ability to survive prolonged dry periods, the seeds only germinate after rain and has a life cycle of three to four weeks, with a seed longevity of two years.”
Although Sticky Florestina is not prohibited or classed invasive under the Biosecurity Act 2015, every person still has a General Biosecurity Duty (GBD) to reduce the spread of weeds within their local environment.
“Thanks to the plant’s ability to spread through stock, native animals, vehicles and machinery, it can rapidly generate hundreds of sticky seeds,” Ms Felton-Taylor added.
While doing Parthenium inspections along both the Newell and Kamilaroi Highways, Narrabri Shire Biosecurity Officers discovered the plant.
Council is working closely with NSW weed ecologists, scientists and biosecurity officers from Castlereagh Macquarie County Council (where the weed has also been identified) to better understand it’s movement into NSW, along with a classification for this plant.
“In Queensland, more than 60,000 hectares of the Tambo and Barcaldine Shires are infested with this plant,” Ms Felton-Taylor added.
“Our aim is for this weed to be monitored, contained and not become an infestation like that of our stately neighbours.”
“We’re encouraging land managers and anyone working in agriculture to keep a close eye on their pastures – particularly if you’ve received stock from areas in Queensland known to be affected.”
Council is also seeking additional plant samples to assist the Queensland Department of Primary Industries with its scientific research.
As the species has not yet been officially classified in NSW, any new finds will be valuable in guiding future management and eradication efforts.
If you spot a suspicious plant, please contact Council’s Narrabri Shire Biosecurity Officers on 02 6799 6866 or email council@narrabri.nsw.gov.au for identification and safe disposal.
Plant identification
• Sticky Florestina is part of the Asteraceae family (daisy) and can grow to one metre high.
• Lower leaves are opposite, whereas upper leaves are trifoliate and alternate.
• Leaves are covered in fine, soft hairs and are mostly 2 to 5cm in length.
• Numerous flower heads with small white flowers (sometimes pink to purplish)
• The entire plant is covered in very short, sticky white hairs, which can easily attach to anything passing by
Prevention
• Minimising contact with seeding plants
• Ensure to brush down clothing and boots before leaving the area
• Clean down vehicles, machinery and equipment
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