29-06-2022
Upper Lachlan Shire Council Biosecurity Officers are bringing to the community’s attention the highly invasive local priority plant, African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula).
African Lovegrass is a priority weed within the Upper Lachlan Shire and can take over pastures and disturbed areas. It degrades pastures as it is not very nutritious for livestock.
Biosecurity Officers have noted once again, that infestations in our area have been gradually expanding over recent years mainly due to the good seasonal conditions and the reduction in the numbers of sheep grazing in the area.
Director of Environment and Planning, Alex Waldron said that African Lovegrass is often confused with a similar looking grass species, Poa tussock.
“It is important that landholders work together with council to correctly identify priority weeds,” she said.
“Again, this serves as a reminder to everyone that Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, all landholders have a General Biosecurity Duty to ensure all biosecurity risks, including weeds, are minimised, prevented or eliminated.”
African lovegrass is a perennial grass that grows in clumps up to 1.2 m tall. It is identifiable by the leaves which are dark green to blue-green. It is more noticeable when the plant is bearing the seed head. The seed head grows towards the end of the stem and presents during summer to autumn.
“Each seed head is capable of producing between 300 to 1000 seeds that have a high viability during the first year,” Ms Waldron said.
“Fortunately, the seeds are only spread short distances through means such as livestock, wind or along roadsides via vehicles. This makes African Lovegrass a more easily controlled weed, and we would encourage anyone with questions to reach out to our biosecurity staff.”
For further assistance, including correct identification of this or other priority weeds, contact Council’s Biosecurity team on (02) 4830 1000.