Harrisia Cactus Proves a Prickly Issue for NSW Farmers
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Learn how you can help contain this invasive weed by attending a free event Tuesday 2 July, 11am at the Boomi Memorial Hall.
An uninvited guest is heading your way, targeting both urban and rural properties. This plant is not choosy where it grows. Where there are birds, you have the potential to have this prickly neighbour. Help us stop it before it stops you!
Harrisia Cactus is a highly invasive species that is on the move. This cactus primarily spreads from seed carried by birds and animals. It has the potential to destroy both native biodiversity and farming land, as well as cause injuries to both people and animals.
How does this weed affect you?Harrisia cacti are difficult to control as they produce thousands of viable seeds and have fleshy storage tubers. They form impenetrable thickets which:
out compete grasses and reduce productivity of grazing land prevent movement of livestock make mustering difficult restrict access to watering points provide habitat for feral animals such as rabbits compete with native plants especially in acacia-wooded grasslands.The sharp spines on harrisia cacti can:
cause painful injuries to people, livestock, working dogs and pets injure and sometimes kill wildlife that get trapped in the spines devalue wool and hides and prevent shearing.Find out more >> https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/HarrisiaCactus
This free event is made possible thanks to the shared work of Northern Slopes Landcare Association and the Moree Plains Shire Council.