The Healthy Bushlands team are currently working with a local landholder to plan and implement a range of onground works on 250 hectares of Banksia woodland and a naturally saline seep which they have recently protected with a conservation covenant as part of the Healthy Bushlands project. The on-ground project will address threats such as weeds and feral animal control. One of these threats includes the priority weed Juncus acutus (Spiny Rush) which is an aggressive weed in predominately wetland areas.
The problem
Juncus acutus is a highly invasive rush that has populated both the wetland and small uplands areas. The occurrence of the Juncus in the drier upland area is not extensive; it is however of concern to the project team that this insidious weed has made its way upslope out of the wetter areas you would normally expect to see it. This issue when coupled with the potential impact that the Juncus poses to some of the Declared Rare flora have made this a priority for the project. Juncus acutus is normally controlled through a regime of an autumn burn to reduce biomass and promote fresh growth which is then followed up by a late spring /early summer herbicide application. Due to the sensitive nature of the seep and the surrounding bushland this regime is not appropriate in this site.
The game plan
Given the fire sensitive nature of the site and the value of the recruiting native vegetation, the landholder will be planting tall shrubs throughout the site with a view to shade out the Juncus. In the more degraded areas the Healthy Bushlands team will spot spray the Juncus. For more information on Juncus acutus follow the link to see the pamphlet on Sharp Rush produced by the Department of Environment and Conservation’s Urban Nature program. The Healthy Bushlands team would encourage all landholders with small outbreaks of Spiny Rush to manage it while it’s still achievable.
Weed Management – Athel Pine (Tamarix aphylla)
Athel pine (Tamarix aphylla - pictured) has been declared a Weed of National Significance (WONS-click here for more information on WONS). It is an evergreen tree up to 18 meters tall and has pinkish to white flowers that have five petals and are small and stalkless.
It was planted for shade, shelter and erosion control and has naturalized in the Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales. There are several known species of Tamarix in Australia, which are commonly known as Tamarisks. However each species has distinct characteristics!
To tell the difference between Tamarix aphylla and Tamarix ramosissima click here.
Click below for further information:
Australian Government webpage on Athel Pine (Tamarix aphylla)
Athel Pine (Tamarix aphylla) Location Map in Australia
Weeds of National Significance Information
Weed Management Guide
