Vigilance Urged to Combat Invasive Giant Devil’s Fig

minimize its impact.”

North Coast landholders are being called upon to stay vigilant against the spread of Giant Devil’s Fig (Solanum chrysotrichum), a highly invasive woody weed that poses a signifcant threat to agriculture and natural ecosystems. This problematic species is prevalent in grazing lands, waterways, forests, roadsides, parks, and gardens, particularly in the coastal regions of northern and central New South Wales.

Ashley Donges, Regional Weed Coordinator for North Coast Local Land Services, highlighted the critical role of community involvement in controlling this invasive plant.

“Preventing the spread of Giant Devil’s Fig is crucial for safeguarding our agricultural productivity and protecting native ecosystems,” Donges said. “We urge all residents and landowners to actively identify and manage this weed to

Giant Devil’s Fig competes with desirable pasture species, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and increased costs. The plant contains toxins that can harm livestock if ingested in large quantities, and its sharp prickles can cause injuries to both humans and animals, as well as hinder access to water sources for livestock.

In natural landscapes, the weed forms dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation, further degrading the environment.

“Our goal is to equip the community with the knowledge and tools needed to combat Giant

Devil’s Fig effectively,” Donges continued. “By working together, we can mitigate its impact and protect our valuable natural resources.”

Under the NSW Biosecurity Act, all residents have a General Biosecurity Duty to prevent, eliminate, or minimize the biosecurity risk posed by Giant Devil’s Fig.

The weed can be identifed as a shrub or small tree up to four meters tall, with prickly stems and hairy leaves when young. It produces small, white star-shaped fowers in clusters from autumn to spring, followed by round berries that turn yellow or orange-yellow.

For detailed identifcation and control methods, residents are encouraged to visit the NSW WeedWise website. https://weeds. dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/ GiantDevilsFig.

There is a Giant Devil’s Fig Exclusion Zone covering the local government areas of Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Lord Howe Island, Nambucca Valley, and Port MacquarieHastings. In these areas, residents must notify their local council if the weed is found and eradicate it immediately.

A Containment Zone covering Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, and Tweed local government areas requires residents to prevent the plant’s spread, reduce its impact, and report sightings to Rous County Council. For technical advice and assistance, residents can contact their local council’s weeds offcer or consult resources available on the NSW WeedWise website.