Weed Alert - Chinese Holly Grape
Council is investigating the extent of the weed Mahonia lomariifolia, or Chinese Holly Grape, after the plant was found to have invaded bushland and established itself in pasture on the Dorrigo Plateau.
Until now this plant had not been recorded as naturalising (reproducing in the wild) in Australia. At least 100 plants have been mapped in a number of locations on the Dorrigo plateau around Mountain Top and Deervale, and as far west as Whites Quarry. This spread has given Council cause for concern over the possibility of it further impacting upon the plateau landscape.
Mahonia has a shiny holly like leaf and produces yellow flowers in dense terminal racemes in spring, which produce green berries that turn purple when ripening. The plant has been found growing in wet sclerophyll and rainforest communities and in some instances in open paddocks. The plant has been found invading canopied gullies and is unpalatable to stock. Plants in excess of 5m tall have been recorded.
A preliminary weed risk assessment has been undertaken in accordance with NSW Industry & Investment (Agriculture) guidelines and it has been listed as a "very high" weed risk.
Council is continuing to determine the extent of the spread of this plant across the Plateau and is seeking assistance from the community.
Contact details
Manager of Sustainability & Natural Resources
02 6655 7300 (ph)
council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au
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