Scientific name: Cascabela thevetia
Description
- Small shrub usually 2 to 4 metres high that thrives in diverse conditions
- Alternate, bright glossy green leaves 7 to 15 centimetres long and very narrow
- Distinctive tubular, yellow flowers
- Lantern shaped, green fruit (turning black when ripe), 2.5 to 4 centimetres in diameter and containing 1 to 2 seeds
- Sap is milky.
Problem
Highly poisonous if ingested.
Weed status - restricted matter category 3
Includes weeds, pest animals and noxious fish such as gambusia, dingoes and yellow crazy ants.
You must not distribute this restricted matter.
Due to its potential to cause serious economic, environmental or social harm, these weeds are regulated by Council.
We have an annual inspection program for properties in Logan.
Council has the authority to issue a Biosecurity Order to properties with category three restricted matter.
Control method
Foliar Spray
Herbicide is diluted with water at a specific rate, and sprayed over the foliage to point of runoff.
Most suited to shrubs, grasses and dense vines less than six metres tall.
Manual and Mechanical Removal
Manual control uses hands or hand tools to control weeds.
This can be an effective control as it can minimize soil disturbance and can instantly remove the entire weed.
Mechanical control suits larger infestations, using power tools and machinery to reduce the bulk of the problem.
Mechanical control can include slashing, mowing, dozing, harvesting, and felling.
Cut Stump
Involves lopping the weed close to the ground and then spraying the stump immediately (within 15 seconds) with herbicide to ensure absorption.
Basal Bark Spraying
Involves mixing a suitable herbicide in diesel and spraying the full circumference of the plant’s trunk or stem, completely wetting 30 to 45 centimetres from the ground level up the stem.
Herbicide warning
Before using any herbicide always read the label carefully and ensure that the chemical is registered for use on the target weed. All herbicides must be applied strictly in accordance with the directions on the label.
