About the Catchment Area

Pest Plants - Watsonia

Identification tips
Boneseed is a bushy upright shrub up to around 1 or 2m high, but can be up to 3m high. It has large (up to 7.5cm) fleshy leaves and golden yellow, daisy-like flowers.

Flowers
Flowers in July to October. Berry fruits form during late Spring.

Where does it come from?
Boneseed is native to South America and was introduced to Australia as a garden plant. It has now spread to woodlands, riparian areas, open forest and coastal sand dunes throughout southeast Australia. The seed from this plant is spread by birds, foxes and other animals.

Why is it a problem?
Like many of Australia's environmental weeds, Boneseed comes from a country of similar climate and latitude to South Australia and is therefore well adapted to the local climate. Its rapid growth rate coupled with almost no pressure from herbivores in Australia, allows it to quickly become established. If uncontrolled over a few years the population will gradually radiate outwards from the original outbreak. It also provides dense shade and thick leaf litter on the ground, which suppresses the establishment of native plants in the area surrounding boneseed plants.

How to beat it
Seed and plants up to one metre high can be hand pulled fairly easily. Larger plants should be cut near the base and swabbed with herbicide such as glyphosate immediately after cutting. Areas where Boneseed has been removed should be checked regularly for further outbreaks as the seed can stay in the soil for some time. Any further regrowth should be controlled by hand pulling prior to flowering if possible.