{"id":419786,"date":"2026-01-17T20:32:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T20:32:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/419786\/"},"modified":"2026-01-17T20:32:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T20:32:15","slug":"aussies-asked-to-urgently-check-gardens-for-widespread-pest-taking-over","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/419786\/","title":{"rendered":"Aussies asked to urgently check gardens for ‘widespread’ pest ‘taking over’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Australians are being warned to keep an eye out this wet season for a fast-spreading invasive weed that authorities say could quietly cause serious damage<\/a> if it gets a foothold.<\/p>\n

In the Kimberley region of Western Australia, the arrival of heavy rains has heightened concerns about praxelis (Praxelis clematidea), an invasive weed<\/a> native to South America that produces thousands of tiny, wind-borne seeds.<\/p>\n

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) warned this week that the wet season has created ideal conditions for the weed to germinate<\/a> and spread, increasing the risk it could move beyond known infestation sites.<\/p>\n

How can praxelis spread?<\/p>\n

If left unchecked, praxelis has the potential to invade crops, grasslands and conservation areas, threatening both agricultural production and native ecosystems, the Invasive Species Council’s Dr Carol Booth said.<\/p>\n

“Praxelis was first detected in Australia, in North Queensland, about 30 years ago. Unfortunately, it was identified as a weed too late to eliminate it, and it has become widespread and prolific in North Queensland,” she told Yahoo News Australia.<\/p>\n

“But it\u2019s not too late in the Kimberley \u2014 which is why it\u2019s important for people there to know what to look out for.<\/p>\n

“With its seeds able to spread by wind and water or attached to feathers, fur or machinery, stopping its spread is going to need great vigilance.”<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Praxelis was first detected in Australia, in North Queensland, 30 years ago. Source: WA government. <\/p>\n

Dr Booth said the weed has the potential to “seriously degrade” the Kimberley and other parts of northern Australia.<\/p>\n

“It can take over streambanks and woodlands as well as farms and roadsides. Because it germinates and reproduces quickly, it can become rampant after fires,” she warned.<\/p>\n

Praxelis can be identified by its clusters of purple-blue or lilac flowers, coarse hairy stems, and sticky green leaves that release a strong odour when crushed.<\/p>\n

Risk increased after rain<\/p>\n

DPIRD regional biosecurity co-ordinator Simon Marwick urged residents to immediately check their gardens.<\/p>\n

“The weed produces thousands of tiny seeds, which are easily spread by the wind, and seedlings will be germinating after recent rains,” he said.<\/p>\n

“We also ask that residents don\u2019t share lawn mowers, slashers, or mulch to help reduce the risk of spreading the weed,” Marwick said.<\/p>\n

“While good progress has been made to prevent praxelis from becoming properly established in the Kimberley, we need landholders’ help to eradicate it.”<\/p>\n

The declared weed is currently under an eradication program at 12 Mile on the outskirts of Broome, with smaller outbreaks also detected on the northern edge of Kununurra.<\/p>\n

The alert comes amid growing concern about Australia\u2019s vulnerability to invasive species, from prickly pear and lantana to gamba grass and fire-promoting buffel grass, which have already transformed landscapes across the country.<\/p>\n

With fewer natural competitors and vast open environments, invasive plants can spread rapidly once established, making early detection and rapid response one of the country\u2019s most effective defences.<\/p>\n

Suspected praxelis sightings can be reported via the MyPestGuide Reporter app, by contacting a local DPIRD office, or through the Pest and Disease Information Service on (08) 9368 3080 or padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.<\/p>\n

Love Australia’s weird and wonderful environment? \ud83d\udc0a\ud83e\udd98\ud83d\ude33 Get our new newsletter<\/a> showcasing the week\u2019s best stories.<\/p>\n

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