Siam weed (Chromolaenaodorata) was recently detected in the greater Darwin region.
It is regarded as one of the worst weeds inAustralia because of its invasiveness, potential for spread, and environmentaland economic impacts.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) Weed Branch Director, Nigel Weston, said Siam weed is a Class C (not tobe introduced) weed in the Northern Territory.
Siam weed is currently found in tropicalQueensland and has the potential to spread across northern Australia and downthe eastern and western coastline, Mr Weston said.
Thats why we are urging the public to be onthe lookout and report and sightings to us by calling 89994567.
Siam weed is a perennial plant that canout-compete and smother crops and native vegetation because of its phenomenalgrowth rate and ability to scramble up taller plants to a height of 20 metres.
Vital industries such as agriculture andhorticulture could be placed under severe threat if the weed spreads beyondcontrol.
Native to the Americas and now a serious weedin west Africa and tropical Asia, this is the first established infestation detectedin the Northern Territory.
Following the most recent detection south-westof Darwin we have notified the National Biosecurity Management ConsultativeCommittee and are working closely with the landholders, as well as theDepartment of Primary Industry and Resources, to determine the full extent ofthe infestation and decide if eradication is a feasible target.
Prevention and early intervention are the mostcost-effective methods of weed control and we are working hard to ensure thisoutbreak is addressed strategically and rapidly.
Anyone who thinks they have Siam weed on theirproperty, or thinks they have seen it, is urged to contact the DENR WeedManagement Branch on 89994567.