NSW: Environmental vandal selling noxious weed

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-1998
NSW: Environmental vandal selling noxious weed

By Chris Herde

GOLD COAST, Dec 2 AAP - An environmental vandal was offering a noxious weed, which had the
potential to clog the nations waterways, for sale on the New South Wales north coast,
authorities said today.

NSW Far North Coast County Council general manager Bruce Scott said a man had been offering
to sell the fast growing alligator weed to nurseries from Grafton to the Queensland border.

"We understand that this man knows what hes trying to sell, but he wont reveal his
sources because he believes that the local council would spray the weed if they knew of its
existence," Mr Scott said.

The alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) originates in South America and has the
reputation of being the worlds worst water weed.

Mr Scott said it was a versatile plant with an attractive white flower, but which spreads
rapidly, smothering and choking water systems.

It can grow free-floating, spread its roots to the bottom of streams or thrive on land.

"When youve got it its almost impossible to eradicate because it has extremely extensive
underground stems and underground roots," Mr Scott said.

He said the worst infestation of the weed in Australia was at Port Stephens, north of
Newcastle, while more than $1 million had been spent in fighting it at Barren Box swamp near
Griffith in the states south west.

"If people are offered this plant I would like to see them buy it all and tell me," Mr
Scott said.

"Id buy it off them at cost and hopefully theyd get as much detail about the fellow as
possible.

"I think this guy knows that were on to him, but we just have to track him down."

AAP ch/it

KEYWORD: WEED

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