Recently the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) was advised that Wheel Cactus plants have been found growing near Marong. This very disturbing fact indicates this “triffid” weed is spreading much further afield, the seeds most likely carried by crows (ravens). Even more alarming, we’ve also been told that sheep are eating cactus fruit that has fallen off the plants, which results in their extremely painful and slow death from starvation because their mouths are so filled with prickles they can no longer eat!
The best way to stop the spread of this noxious weed is to kill the plant before it flowers and bears fruit, which will prevent the seeds from the fruit being further spread by birds. This cactus plant is easiest to destroy while it’s still small, as it has shallow roots and can be dug up quite easily. Please don’t leave it lying on the ground as this plant has the amazing ‘talent’ of re-rooting and re-growing. The small plants can be disposed of in your domestic waste bin and they will be end up being buried with domestic waste.
If you find a Wheel Cactus plant on your property or in nearby crown land, please help us by destroying it. Or contact the TCCG and tell us where it’s located. If you’d like to learn how to most effectively kill Wheel Cactus plants, please join us at our monthly Community Field Days.
Our next Wheel Cactus Field Day will be on Sunday 27th July at a property at the end of Whitlocks Road, just a few kms southwest of Maldon. To get there, leave Maldon along Parkins Reef road, continue along South Parkins Reef Road and finally veer to the left along Whitlocks Road. The route will be well signposted along South Parkins Reef Road. The morning’s activities will begin at 10:30 am and end at 12:30 pm with an enjoyable BBQ and friendly chat. If you have any queries please contact Ian on 0412 015 807.
