A Lavender that isn’t so pretty

Coastcare Facilitator for Gippsland, Bruce Atkin has alerted the
Network to a new and emerging weed threat- Sicilian sea lavender
(Limonium hyblaeum). Coastcare hosted a forum last month on Phillip
Island designed to raise awareness amongst agency staff and volunteers
about the weed which poses a significant threat to saltmarsh areas.
Director of consultancy firm Australis Biology, Dr Robin Adair
presented at the forum noting that the weed has the potential to
spread rapidly along the Victorian coastline. Currently the weed can
be found at eight locations west of Port Phillip Bay, including places
like Port Fairy and Port Campbell.

The problem with Sicilian sea lavender is that it can result in the
collapse of saltmarsh vegetation by excluding native species and
preventing regeneration. Posing a major threat to the endangered
orange-bellied parrot that relies on saltmarsh vegetation as a food
source.

Although not found in Western Port Bay yet, Dr Adair and Coastcare
facilitators Bruce Atkin and Denis Cox are urging locals to be
vigilant and report any suspected. Early detection is crucial as hand
removal is the most effective means of eradicating the weed.

The weed is identifiable as a cushion forming perennial with a dense
canopy, broad fleshy leaves and woody rootstock. Purple and white
flowers appear from November onwards.

What to do if you find Sicilian sea lavender:
• Correctly identify it, visit www.australisbiological.com.au
• Record where you found it
• Note the size of the infestation
• Report immediately to Penny Gillespie, Regional Weed and Pest
Program Coordinator: penny.a.gallespie@dse.vic.gov.au or to DSE
Coastcare Victoria Facilitator Denis Cox: denis.cox@dse.vic.gov.au
• Remove the plant/s (if safe to do so)
• Double bag
• Deep burial
• Prevent spillages

Cover photo: Sicilian sea lavender- photo courtesy Dr Robin Adair
www.australisbiological.com.au