31-07-2025
Property owners warned after council finds 'significant' invasive weed in Aussie garden
A stern warning has been issued to Aussies after a 'vigilant' council worker stumbled upon a 'significant" invasive weed and several other prohibited species in a homeowner's garden.
A land protection officer for Bundaberg Regional Council was wandering near the property when they spotted three mature yellow fever trees — a potentially dangerous weed that is banned in Queensland over fears it could become a major pest.
The concerning sight prompted the council worker to alert authorities through the state's Weed Spotters Network, and on closer inspection by Biosecurity Queensland, additional prohibited species were also located in the yard.
In total, 31 problematic trees, along with thousands of seeds and seedlings, were removed and destroyed.
What are yellow fever trees?
Yellow fever trees are native to southern and eastern Africa, but like most of Australia's environmental weeds they were introduced to the country as ornamental plants. They can grow up to 25 metres tall and have a smooth bark coated in a greenish-yellow powder that can easily rub off. Its name is believed to reflect the bark and the plant's tendency to grow in swampy areas of Africa, where malaria is common.
While yellow fever trees have been found in gardens around the country, the species doesn't appear to have naturalised. However, due to concerns it could escape cultivation and spread, the Queensland government has deemed it a target for eradication.
A spokesperson for the state's Department of Primary Industries told Yahoo News yellow fever trees pose a 'similar weed risk to prickly acacia', which has invaded 'more than six million hectares' and is considered to be 'one of Queensland's most invasive weeds'.
Prickly acacia, a thorny shrub that can form dense thickets, currently costs the state's grazing industry $3 to $5 million a year.
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What other prohibited species were removed?
The spokesperson said three other 'suspected exotic acacia species' found on the property included paperbark thorn, monkey thorn and ana tree.
'The prohibited exotic acacia trees were mechanically removed and Biosecurity Queensland officers collected seed from the surrounding area,' they explained.
'Long-term surveillance on the infected property and surrounding area may be required to prevent germination of new plants and achieve eradication.'
Exotic acacia species are listed as prohibited under the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014. All sightings of the species are required to be reported to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 within 24 hours.
The homeowner was not aware that the plants were banned and has been supportive of the eradication, the spokesperson said.
'Members of the community can help reduce the spread of exotic acacia species by reporting any suspect sightings and taking care not to move seeds or young plants,' they added.
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