Popular Bunnings plant sparks urgent warning
Sunshine Coast Council issued the alert after a council worker discovered arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum) sprouting in native bushland, highlighting the dangers of dumping garden waste.
'Arrowhead vine is a persistent creeper or climber and once established, it will take root wherever its stem touches the ground,' a council spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia.
'In natural areas, it can overtake native vegetation and throw our unique ecosystems out of balance.'
The plant, native to Central America, is considered an environmental weed in Queensland and a 'sleeper weed' in other parts of the country, according to Brisbane City Council.
While not prohibited under Queensland's Biosecurity Act 2014, residents and councils have a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to minimise its spread.
'Arrowhead vine is a persistent creeper or climber, and once established, it will take root wherever its stem touches the ground,' the council spokesperson said.
'In natural areas, it can overtake native vegetation and throw our unique ecosystems completely out of whack!'
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The plant, a Central American invader, is branded an environmental weed in Queensland and a 'sleeper weed' elsewhere, according to Brisbane City Council.
While not yet outlawed under Queensland's Biosecurity Act 2014, residents and councils are legally obligated to wage war against its spread under a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
The Invasive Species Council has revealed a terrifying truth: a whopping three-quarters of environmental weeds were initially sold as pretty garden decorations.
'Over time, they escaped from the confines of gardens and now threaten our natural places, agriculture or, in some cases, human health,' the Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson warned.
Dumping garden waste, the arrowhead vine's preferred method of invasion, is a crime punishable by a minimum fine of $333, potentially skyrocketing to $5,007 in court.
The council's desperate online plea aims to educate clueless Aussies about the catastrophic consequences of plant dumping. Many locals were aghast to learn of the plant's destructive potential.
'Wow, I have this in hanging baskets and several variegated ones. I had no idea it was an invasive weed. Will make sure it stays in pots!' one stunned resident confessed.
Another exclaimed: 'Hectic. This is growing at my place. Good to know, thanks for sharing.'
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