A WORT ON THE LANDSCAPE PUTS ANIMALS AT RISK

Queensland’s largest known infestation of St John’s wort was discovered recently in the border town of Wallangarra.

The discovery by the Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) has prompted immediate action, with land protection officers to begin mapping the weed’s range and distribution today (January 23).

Natural Resources Minister Craig Wallace said the highly invasive herb could cause significant health problems for domestic and native animals which eat it, due to a process called photosensitization.

“St John’s wort contains hypericin and when an animal ingests the weed, the toxin passes into the bloodstream,” Mr Wallace said.

“Sunlight alters the chemical structure of hypericin after just a few days and unpigmented parts of the body can be severely affected as skin peels and sloughs off, leaving large open wounds,” he said.

“It’s not a pretty sight and obviously causes huge problems for stock on badly infested properties.”

NRW land protection officer Grant Beutel said St John’s wort infested more than 200,000 hectares of New South Wales and had the potential to spread into the cooler, wetter areas of Queensland.

“We’re mainly concerned about Stanthorpe and Warwick shires at the moment, but it has occasionally appeared in areas like Highfields and there is the risk it will invade sensitive ecological areas like the Bunya and TamborineMountains,” Mr Beutel said.

A single plant can produce up to 33,000 seeds a season and may remain viable for up to 30 years. The sticky seedpods are easily spread in the fur of animals or through movement of soil on machinery.

“In the past we’ve found small infestations along roadsides outside Stanthorpe and Toowoomba, but this is the first time it’s been identified on private property,” Mr Beutel said.

“We really need cooperation from local residents to make sure it is controlled quickly.”

NRW land protection staff will be in Wallangarra area to map the plant’s distribution and assist landholders with control. Concerned residents are encouraged to contact their nearest NRW office for advice.

The plant grows with erect stems to 1.2m high and can be identified by the profusions of bright yellow, five-petalled flowers it produces in late spring.

The flowers are distinctive because of the small black glands (looking like black dots) on the margins of the petals.

File images of the effects of St John's Wort on stock are available on request.

For more information: Chris Leslight on 4688 1412 or 0417 071 772.

Minister’s office: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office 3896 3689 or 0407 131 654.