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One of the top 20 weeds of national significance has been found in Kununurra. The plant prickly acacia (Acacia nilotica) currently infests more than six million hectares of land in Queensland and the NT. The plant is native to Pakistan and India and forms dense thorny thickets that reduce pasture production, cause mustering and watering difficulties as well as loss of wildlife habitat and biodiversity. Department of Agriculture staff found the weed in the Kununurra quarantine yards. |
Introduction was probably in stock imported into WA as the seeds can take up to six days to pass through cattle. This is the second plant found in WA; the first was found on the roadside east of Halls Creek about 12 months ago. It has the potential to infest most of the Kimberley and would create major problems for the local cattle industry as well as the environment. Identification of the plant is extremely difficult, as it is very similar to a local species also called prickly acacia, or mimosa bush. The plant grows up to five meters tall and has pairs of thorns, five to 10 centimetres long that grow at the base of the leaves. |
The flowers are golden-yellow, ball shaped and about one centimetre across. The seedpods are usually between 10 and 15 centimetres long, flat with narrow constrictions between the seeds and are grey when ripe. Their distinctive shape is the easiest way to identify the species, but they are only on the plant for a brief time. Anyone who believes they have found a plant with these distinct seedpods should call the Department of Agriculture on 9166 4000.
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