Managing weeds for biodiversity
Recorded distribution of Erica species Spanish heath (Erica lusitanica) ● Berry heath (Erica baccans) Spanish heath (Erica lusitanica) Erica glandulosa This map highlights 3 Erica species listed above. Other species such as E. arborea, and other Erica species E. quadrangularis, E. scoparia and E. discolor occur within this range. The problem National Significance assessment. many of which are grown in Australia. In 2005 tree heath in Tasmania and In most cases the weed potential of Spanish heath Shrubs in the genus Erica (heaths, Spanish heath in Victoria were this genus is unknown, however many heathers or ericas) originate from nominated amongst the 10 most are permitted entry to Australia without Europe and Africa and are widely serious weedy garden plants currently a prior weed risk assessment. When grown in gardens and for the cut-flower for sale. They form dense populations plants first escape from gardens and industry. Many species have been in bushland, dominate the understorey, invade neighbouring land, they may introduced to southern Australia and and have the potential to alter the not be noticed until it becomes a costly – Erica lusitanica some have escaped from cultivation composition and diversity of native plant exercise to eradicate them, especially to become weeds in native vegetation. communities. Both species establish on from native vegetation. The number Spanish heath (Erica lusitanica), also roadsides and require expensive control of weeds threatening Australia’s known as Portuguese heath, is the most to maintain sight lines. Spanish heath biodiversity is increasing and the safest widely distributed erica in Australia and is also capable of invading unimproved strategy is to avoid planting species will be the main species profiled here. pasture. Heather (Calluna vulgaris), that are known to escape. Numerous and other ericas Tree heath (E. arborea), common in the a related species, is already on the non-weedy alternatives are available southeast and berry heath (E. baccans), Australian Alert List and is covered by its for water-wise planting and alert which is also established in the west own weed management guide. Other gardeners and horticulturists can help are also described, with other species ericas have escaped into bushland and by removing garden plants that are of Erica discussed in less detail. may have potential to become more capable of spreading, or escaping Although it is only a declared weed in widespread weeds in the future. from their property. Tasmania, Spanish heath still rated for Erica is a large genus containing consideration in the recent Weeds of numerous species, hybrids and cultivars, Key points
• Spanish heath produces numerous tiny seeds. • If the plants are burnt or broken they readily regrow from the lignotuber or butt. • Small plants can be hand pulled. Mature plants can be cut and painted with herbicide. • Other Erica species are invading native vegetation in southern Australia and species growing in gardens may become weeds in the future if allowed to escape. • Accurate weed identification is essential— weedy Erica species are sometimes confused with native heaths. • Apply control methods for Spanish heath Spanish heath (Erica lusitanica) invading native vegetation: Tasmania. Photo: Matthew Baker, Tasmanian Herbarium to other weedy Erica species. Spanish heath – Erica lusitanica and other ericas Photo: MatthewBaker, Tasmanian Herbarium Spanish heath( quickly, competingeffectively with canopy ofestablishedplantsrecovers is damagedbyfire orslashing.The which newstemswillgrow ifthetop crown orlignotuberatthebase,from Plants haveawell-developedwoody soil seedbankfor4yearsormore. year andmanyofthesepersistinthe can produce millionsoftinyseedseach a pinktingeinthebud.Amature bush and tubular, with4lobes,white leaves, 4–7mmlong.Flowersare small branches carrycrowded, narrow 2.5 mtallwithdensefoliage.The Spanish heathisanerect shrubto The weed Weed aaeetGuide• Spanish heath – Management Erica lusitanica ) flowersare numerous andpink-tingedinbud. to spread alongroadsides andinto production increases theircapacity and unfortunately, theirprolific seed spring, theymaybecovered inflowers their stiff, narrow leaves.Inwinterand shape andsizetonativeheathswith native plantsastheyhaveasimilar Ericas are commonlybelievedtobe the localscale. and habitatpreferences maydiffer at to Spanishheath,butitsabundance anddistribution similar growth patterns to stock.Tree heathappearstohave seedlings, thefoliageisnotpalatable survives hotdrysummers.Apartfrom deeply penetratingroot system,and native plants.Spanishheathhasafine, 2 Erica lusitanica Photo: MatthewBaker, Tasmanian Herbarium the branchletscanbeseenwithahand lens. Tree heath( the samewayasSpanishheath. vegetation shouldbecontrolled in Other a needtoprevent newspeciesescaping. minimised. Atthesametime,there is weedy ericasonbiodiversitycanbe disturbance methods,theimpactof management usingminimum Through strategicnativevegetation in infertilenativesoils. fast growing, longlivedandwillgrow higher rainfalldistricts—theyare hardy, contribute totheirweedinessinthe attractive asgarden plantsalso bushland. Features thatmakeericas Related species similar species Weed identification and next page. are summarised inthetableon most commonspeciesinAustralia small seeds.Themainfeatures ofthe are capsules containingnumerous tubular orglobularwith4lobes.Fruits of 3or4.Flowersare bell-shaped, leaves thatare oppositeorinwhorls Australia. Allare shrubs,withnarrow been recorded asnaturalisedin More than 12speciesof Erica Erica arborea species thatinvadenative and other ericas ). Branchedhairson Erica have 3
Naturalised Erica species in Australia: main species and features
Species Habit* Flowers Leaves Young Legislation Distribution and season# stems and AQIS Spanish heath Shrub to White, pinkish 4–7 mm With Declared Widespread: Erica lusitanica. 2.5 m tall; in bud, tubular, long, unbranched in Tas.; ACT, NSW, Photo: Matthew resprouts 4–5 mm long; narrow, hairs 1 mm quarantine SA, Tas., Vic. Baker, Tasmanian after fire in winter crowded, long weed in WA Herbarium to spring generally in whorls of 4 AQIS Not Origin: permitted Europe 1 cm entry Tree heath Shrub to White, 3–7 mm With No Widespread: Erica arborea. 5 m tall; bell-shaped, long, branched declaration NSW, SA, Photo: Jean Michaux resprouts 2–3 mm long; narrow, hairs 1 mm Tas., Vic. Flore de Franche- after fire in spring crowded, long Comté, http://crdp2. generally in AQIS Origin: ac-besancon.fr/flore/ whorls of 4 Permitted Europe, flore.htm entry Africa, 1 cm Macronesia Berry heath Shrub to Bright pink Up to 9 mm Hairless No Widespread:
Erica baccans. 2 m tall; (magenta), long, in declaration SA, Tas., Spanish heath Photo: Matthew does not globular, approx. whorls of 4 Vic., WA Baker, Tasmanian resprout 5 mm long, Herbarium after fire in bunches at stem tips; AQIS Origin: 1 cm in spring Permitted South Africa entry
Angled heath Shrub to White to pink, 1.5–3 mm With Quarantine Localised: – Erica lusitanica Erica quadrangularis. 1 m tall; cup-shaped, long, in unbranched weed SA, Vic. Photo: © South does not 3 mm long, whorls of hairs in WA African National resprout lobed, single 4 or in Biodiversity Institute, after fire in upper opposite www.SANBI.org leaf axils; pairs AQIS Origin: 1 cm in spring Permitted South Africa entry
Besom heath Shrub to White / green 3.5–7 mm Hairless No Localised: and other ericas Erica scoparia. 2.5 m tall; to reddish, long, in well declaration Tas. Photo: Matthew resprouts bell-shaped, spaced Baker, Tasmanian after fire 1–2 mm long; whorls of Herbarium in spring to 3 or 4 AQIS Origin: summer Permitted Europe, 1 cm entry north Africa, Macronesia
1 cm Erica glandulosa. Shrub Pink to mauve, Up to 7 mm With No Localised: Photo: © K. Blood 0.75–1 m tubular to 3 cm long, sticky, glandular declaration NSW, SA, tall; long, in clusters; narrow, hairs, sticky Vic. resprouts year-round, crowded after fire especially in autumn AQIS Origin: Permitted South Africa entry Bicoloured heath Shrub to Pink to dark red Up to No Localised: Erica discolor. 3 m tall; with pale tips, 7 mm long, declaration SA, Vic. Photo: © K. Blood resprouts tubular, narrow, 18–24 mm long, after fire in clusters; crowded, year-round, whorled especially AQIS Origin: 1 cm in autumn Permitted South Africa entry
*Response to fire is based on research in native range. # Usual season of flowering.
Other species that are naturalised include Erica holosericea, E. caffra, E. mauritanica and E. cruenta from southern Africa and E. cinerea from Europe.
Weed Management Guide • Spanish heath – Erica lusitanica and other ericas 4
Similar native species
Australian heaths were formerly in the family Epacridaceae but are now in the expanded family Ericaceae as are Erica species Native heaths in the subfamily Styphelioideae that could be confused with ericas in southern Australia generally have 5 petals rather than 4 and stiff leaves that are alternate instead of whorled or opposite. Examples are listed in the table below.
Common heath (Epacris impressa) is generally an erect shrub to 1.2 m tall, with stiff pointed leaves up to 13 mm long that are alternate and well-spaced. Flowers red, pink or white bells with 5 lobes, tube up to 20 mm long. Fruit a capsule. NSW, SA, Tas., Vic. Photo: Jackie Miles and Max Campbell
Prickly / long-flower beard-heath (Leucopogon juniperinus) is a shrub to 1 m tall with pointed leaves to 12 mm long. The white tubular flowers have 5 short lobes, bearded inside. Fruit succulent. NSW, Qld, Vic. Photo: Jackie Miles and Max Campbell
Prickly broom-heath (Monotoca scoparia) is a shrub to 1.2 m tall with pointed leaves to 15 mm long and small white flowers. Fruit somewhat fleshy. NSW, Qld, SA, Tas., Vic. Photo: P. Ormay © Australian National Botanic Gardens
Peach heath (Lissanthe strigosa) is a shrub to 1 m tall with pointed leaves, 6–13 mm long, white or pinkish urn-shaped flowers and fleshy fruit. NSW, Qld, SA, Tas., Vic. Photo: Jackie Miles and Max Campbell and other ericas
Other native shrubs may look similar to Ericas when not in flower; for example:
Common fringe-myrtle (Calytrix tetragona) has small, narrow, crowded leaves, but flowers are star-shaped with 5 petals. It is widespread in southern and eastern Australia. – Erica lusitanica Photo: Jackie Miles and Max Campbell
How it spreads Spanish heath
Erica seeds are small and generally borne in dry capsules. The millions of tiny seeds that Spanish heath plants produce are dispersed short distances by gravity, water, wind, vehicle draught and slashing or soil movement. Long distance dispersal is generally a result of human activity—planting in gardens, commercial cultivation, or inadvertent transport of soil containing seeds to new locations.
Disturbed, open situations such as roadsides and edges of bushland provide favourable conditions for establishment
and the weeds spread from there into Ericas have dry seed capsules: berry heath (Erica baccans), Tasmania. the bush. Depending on the species, Photo: Matthew Baker, Tasmanian Herbarium
Weed Management Guide • Spanish heath – Erica lusitanica and other ericas 5
Strategic weeding in native vegetation species and may be important factors in assessing potential weediness in Native vegetation Weeds Australian native vegetation as well as in planning control. Whereas Spanish and tree heaths are strong resprouters, berry heath in South Africa is killed by fire and it reproduces from seed.
Growth cycle
The season of active growth for Weed from the least weed-infested bush towards weed-dominated areas Spanish heath is from late autumn to early summer. It flowers between June fire may not be essential for seed within a Mediterranean or temperate and September and seed production germination, but it can create gaps climatic regime in soils of relatively low has been recorded in October and that favour regrowth, recruitment of fertility. Correspondingly, most of the November. Seed germination may seedlings or both. In their native range cultivated ericas prefer acid to neutral occur in autumn or spring. Seedlings Spanish heath some Erica species have the ability to soils although some will tolerate a are vulnerable to dry conditions and form a long-lived seedbank and seeds wider range of soil pH. therefore recruitment is episodic. This buried in the top few centimetres of species has a fairly wide geographic Fourteen species of Erica are listed in and climatic range, from Sydney to soil can survive fire. A global compendium of weeds (Randall southern Tasmania and has been 2007), because they have been recorded
reported to be sensitive to frost. The – Erica lusitanica Where it grows as naturalised or weedy somewhere in season of active growth may vary in the world and three of these species In southern Australia, Erica species length from place to place and year to were only cited as weedy in Australia. generally occur in regions with an year, so it is helpful to observe patterns average annual rainfall of 600 mm The capacity for resprouting from of growth in local populations. Flowering season varies between species and or more; in heathland, forest and lignotubers and reproduction by seed after disturbance varies between some may flower throughout the year. woodland, along drainage lines and and other ericas in coastal vegetation.
Spanish heath is native to Mediterranean Europe. Tree heath is very widespread and also native to Mediterranean Europe and parts of north and east Africa. It is a dominant shrub or tree in some major vegetation types. The Erica genus is particularly diverse in southern Africa, where there are more than 700 native species, including berry heath.
Potential distribution
Spanish, tree and berry heaths have the potential to spread locally and to new regions in southern Australia if planted or inadvertently transported, particularly in districts with relatively high winter rainfall. The potential distribution of most ericas in Australia is largely Besom heath (Erica scoparia) spreading from roadsides into bushland: northern Tasmania. unknown. Worldwide, most occur Photo: Matthew Baker, Tasmanian Herbarium
Weed Management Guide • Spanish heath – Erica lusitanica and other ericas Spanish heath – Erica lusitanica and other ericas Implementweedhygienepracticesin • Botanicgardens andotheragencies • Raiseawareness aboutweedy ericas • Prevent ericasspreading Several it todoabout What • • • • • a rangeofstrategiesisneeded: and potentialthreats tobiodiversity, to beintroduced. To address existing known onlyingardens orare yet while themajorityare currently others are escapinginafewlocations, and wellestablishedinAustralia Weed fruiting season. slashing, particularlyduringthe peak Erica seedscaneasilybespread by remove newoutbreaks promptly. areas suchasroadsides; detectand effectively contained. identified, monitored, removed or plan sothatweedyformsare risks andimplementamanagement growing ericasneedtoassessweed identify weedyericas. Increase communitycapacityto road managementauthorities. nursery suppliers,floriculturistsand among gardeners, landscapers, of newspeciesatborders. assessments before permittingentry Biosecurity: species from becomingnaturalised. management: Public andprivategarden eradicate localisedoutbreaks. from spreading locallyandregionally; naturalised speciesandprevent them Regional planning: of soilerosion. management optionslimittherisk heath innon-nativepastures, ensure Pastures: of nativespecies. and encouragenaturalregeneration that managemajorweedthreats specific strategiesfornativevegetation infestations are includedinsite- Site management: Erica aaeetGuide• Spanish heath – Management when controlling Spanish species are widespread conduct weedrisk prevent additional ensure erica contain Photo: DrJohnConran,UniversityofAdelaide flowers. stems, leavesandthesepalsatbaseof Erica glandulosa the distributionofothermajor weeds. knowledge aboutthesite—including a planneedstobebasedonspecific species’ biologyandcontrol methods, presented inthisguideon other weeds.Aswellastheinformation rather thannewseedlings,regrowth or the weedisreplaced bynativeplants essential toensure thataftertreatment, A planned,strategicapproach is to recover. and encouragenativevegetation harmful effects, helpcontainspread term managementprogram canreduce at thelocalorproperty scalealong- may notbearealistic goal.However, species are widespread, totaleradication In regions where oneormore infestations Reduce established Identifylocationswhere naturalised • uninfested areas weed-free. clumps firstandfollowup.Keep seedlings andtreat isolatedplantsor or sparseinfestations.Remove Erica Mount LoftyRanges,SA. species occurasisolatedplants has glandularhairsonyoung 6 Erica Erica lusitanica Erica Photo: ©K.Blood Bicoloured heath( near theGrampiansNP, Vic. • • • 1. Investigatethesite weed managementplan. Develop andimplementa nitrogen-fixing weedssuchasbrooms. inappropriate fire regime orinvasionby disease, continuingdisturbance, nutrients, phytophthoraroot fungal significantly affected byinfluxof in suchvegetation,providing itisnot infestations hasoftenbeensuccessful disturbance methodstoweed by ericas.Applicationofminimum soil isatypicalvegetationtypeinvaded shrubby woodlandorforest) oninfertile sclerophyll native vegetation(heathland, Australia,species-rich In southern rare flora. of highbiodiversityvalue,such as erica isremoved andidentifysites assess itscapacityforrecovery after Map nativevegetationcondition: which re-invasion canoccur. identify majorsources ofseedfrom weed densitythroughout thesite; Map ericainfestations: and nativeplants. Identify allplantspecies: and other ericas Erica discolor ): Pomonal, long-term indicate weeds Spanish heath – Erica lusitanica and other ericas and other ericas ) seedling: Tasmania. ) seedling: Tasmania. present, so the potential to spread so the present, site must be managed. the seed from Burning these weeds is likely to favour so it is not due to their rapid regrowth control. as a means of recommended burnt, that have been In areas just as follow up after primary treatment, particularly is seedlings mature before increasing weeds important to prevent biological No in density and spread. for ericas. available agents are control suitable control In selecting the most techniques it is essential to minimise adverse impacts on native vegetation and to encourage its subsequent Whichever methods are recovery. used, it is important to manage plant material that may be carrying seeds dispersal. to prevent Erica baccans Erica lusitanica Erica 7 . In weed management monitoring of native plant monitoring species are difficult to manage to manage difficult species are 4. Monitor and evaluate outcomes 4. Monitor the plan accordingly and adapt Include regeneration tendency is often a there programs of weeds as to focus on the removal level the ultimate a goal, but at the site vegetation. of native goal is restoration in native vegetation because they grow among native plants, most resprout millions of tiny the base, produce from seeds and may form a soil seedbank. During the period of active growth is most when herbicide treatment seed is likely to be mature effective, Control methods Erica Seedlings may be hand pulled. Berry heath ( Herbarium Tasmanian Photo: Matthew Baker, identify native Management – heath Spanish • Guide species control that is not species control core infestations core to downstream. vegetation first and consider the fauna and flora needs of rare infested areas first. Ensure that first. Ensure infested areas seeds or activities do not spread Adapt to cover. disturb ground local seasonal conditions. before treated previously in areas of infestation. moving to new areas neighbouring landholders to maximise ongoing and reduce effectiveness by seed. spread each stage should be manageable enough to follow up thoroughly. Erica that they do not establish where erica has been removed. stage method for each weed growth to avoid damage to in each area native vegetation. Plan appropriate disposal of weed material. calendar to maximise the activities. of control effectiveness – isolated ericas towards work from – upstream plants from control followed up is wasteful and can cause a bigger problem. overlaying maps of erica density, overlaying maps of erica values and risks. native vegetation, site –healthier native the protect on the site information. on the site information. Values and risks: Values risk values and high fauna habitat potential and sites for erosion other factors. Weed Weed • the least Remove ericas from • each year Follow up weed regrowth • with programs control Coordinate 3. Implement the action plan • targeted at The size of the area • of other weeds so Include control • Select the most suitable control • management a weed Prepare • by for control Define priority areas • Plan to weed strategically: • based Identify goals and priorities 2. Develop the site action plan 2. Develop the site • Spanish heath – Erica lusitanica and other ericas soil disturbance. sharply. Care isneededtominimise if thetrunkistiltedandbasehit can besnappedbelowthelignotuber may result. Sometimeslargeplants remains inthesoil,vigorous regrowth butt needstoberemoved. Ifpartofit larger plants,thebasallignotuberor a pairofpliers.Ifgrubbingorpulling or lightsoil.To getasecure grip,use including theroot ispossibleinmoist Hand removal ofsmallericaplants Physical weedremoval Photo: T. Hands,FriendsofScott Creek CP Large tree heath( Weed aaeetGuide • Spanish heath – Management Erica arborea ) trunkandlignotuberfrilledready forswabbing:SA. application andmustbefollowedup. are activelygrowing atthetimeof methods are mosteffective iftheplants injection andfoliarspray. Allofthese ericas are cut-stumpandfrill,stem The mainherbicidetreatments for off-target damageanddisturbance. selectively appliedtominimiseregrowth, providing itiscarefully chosenand Herbicide canbehighlyeffective, Chemical control equipment suited tothesizeof foliage mustbewettedandthe For sprayingtobeeffective, allerica Foliar spray 8 Erica lusitanica -angled holesinwood. Stem injection.Sideviewoftrunkshowing 45° been treated. the mixture toshowthatstemshave spray bottleorabrush.Usedyein (within 10seconds),usingahand-held cut andexposedsurfacesimmediately absorbed. Painttheherbicideon area through whichherbicidecanbe peeling thebarkawaytoincrease the ground level andfrillthestumpby or achainsawasclosepossibleto secateurs, bushsaw, brushcutter Cut allstemshorizontallywith stem sizes basal Suitable for all Cut-stump application using asquirtbottleorplasticsyringe. bark. Injectimmediatelywithherbicide deep asthelivingwoodjustunder and sideways.Holesneedonlybeas around the stem,angleddownwards holes atapprox-imately 5cmintervals that encourageweedgrowth. Drill it doesnotcreate gapsinvegetation This methodhastheadvantagethat than 5cm stem diameter larger For basal Stem injection be shielded. Where possible,nativeplantsshould when spraydriftwillnotoccur. plants andregrowth underconditions spraying isgenerallylimitedtosmall damage. Inthissituation,foliar hose) isrequired toavoidoff-target equipment (knapsackorhandgunand spot sprayingusinghand-held plants. Innativevegetation,careful and other ericas 9 ...case study Matching the method to the Spanish heath infestation
Wellington Park in Tasmania contains extensive areas of bushland on the hills and mountains behind Hobart. Much of its boundary abuts residential areas and it is crossed by a number of roads, trails and service corridors. Weeds such as Spanish heath, gorse and other garden plant escapees are well established in some areas and invading the native vegetation. Previously disturbed, open habitats such as edges, road verges and powerline clearances are particularly prone to invasion.
The Wellington Park Management Trust
oversees the planning and management Spanish heath of this area, involving community groups and agencies. The Park’s management plan states that weed control work will Hand removal of Spanish heath (Erica lusitanica): Wellington Park, Tasmania. only be undertaken in such a way that Photo: Peter Franklin, Wellington Park Bushcare non-target species are protected. This – Erica lusitanica requirement is met through the use same time. The volunteers then follow carpet of Spanish heath seedlings had of selective, minimum disturbance up by regularly revisiting to ensure that germinated near the parent plants, techniques. regrowth and seedlings are treated by leaving them an immense task. Clearly, spot spraying and hand pulling. They in this mature population there were The Wellington Park Bushcare Group found that in damp habitats, plants are numerous viable weed seeds in the is one group working with the Trust harder to kill and treatment needs to be soil. Dealing with the weed seedbank and has a grant from the Australian thorough. is an issue when removing weeds like and other ericas Government Envirofund to support Spanish heath from native vegetation. some of its work. Members walk the The plants are treated using the cut- A proportion of soil-stored seeds isolated trails within the park to detect stump method with frilling of the bark germinate when the understorey has isolated weed outbreaks and prevent below the cut. Herbicide is applied been opened up but germination after these from becoming established to all exposed surfaces. Bushes that fire may not exhaust the seedbank. infestations. have previously been slashed without Adult plants resprout rapidly and may chemical treatment have multiple Spanish heath has been found on outcompete native species following stems and are very difficult to deal creek banks, far from the disturbed disturbance. with other than by spraying. Another sites where it dominates. Peter technique under trial for large If burning is required for management Franklin, the group’s coordinator, infestations where there is no risk to purposes, the impacts on both weeds observed “It doesn’t seem to have native plants is slashing then spraying and natives need to be considered, come downstream so the only regrowth after 1–2 months. and timing and follow up planned conclusion that we can make is that accordingly. seed is being blown upstream in the In one infestation where the Bushcare breezes that creeks seem to attract.” group had undertaken primary weeding The commitment of the Bushcare Group by cut and swab, a managed burn for highlights the importance of persistence Patches of mature Spanish heath in fuel reduction was conducted shortly when dealing with Spanish heath. native vegetation have been cut and afterwards. They returned to follow swabbed using glyphosate. Other up and found that in places, a dense weeds have been dealt with at the case study
Weed Management Guide • Spanish heath – Erica lusitanica and other ericas 10
Herbicides for Authority website to find the relevant selective herbicide may be suitable for Erica species permit for your state or territory and some situations where native grasses obtain advice on local conditions from are at risk and may be included in a Erica species are not listed on any the permit holder. Refer to the factsheet permit. Permits may specify the training registered herbicide labels in Australia. ‘Off label chemical use in Victoria’ for required by users. A ‘Permit to allow minor use of an sources of advice in that state. When using herbicides always read the AGVET chemical product’ may be Glyphosate is commonly applied under label and follow instructions carefully. issued to allow registered products to permit to individual erica plants in At least one member of a group should be used for a purpose or in a manner native vegetation by community groups, have formal training in the safe storage, that is not included on the approved landholders and public land managers. handling, preparation and use of the label. Permits that include treatment It is systemic and non-residual but it chosen herbicides. Particular care should of Erica species or environmental woody is not selective and care is needed to be taken when using herbicides near weeds generally in some non-crop avoid contact with non-target plants. waterways because rainfall runoff situations exist in the ACT, NSW, SA, Examples of glyphosate treatments can carry herbicides. Use special Tas. and WA. Refer to the Australian that may be included in a permit are formulations for such environments Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines summarised below. Alternatively, where appropriate.
Active constituent Off-target risk Method and Mixture Details / timing target plants Various registered Any type of plant when Foliar spray (small plants Diluted in water Add dye glyphosate-only products foliage, green stems or or regrowth) See label for advice on including aquatic exposed non-woody Cut-stump (basal stems Undiluted or diluted safety, weather conditions registration roots are in contact with of any size), frill bark to in water and timing chemical
and other ericas increase dose, paint all Refer to permit and seek stumps immediately advice on a suitable after cutting dilution rate Stem injection (stems 5 cm Undiluted or diluted or more in diameter), inject in water herbicide immediately after drilling – Erica lusitanica
Legislation the permitted taxa are already grown Map: Australia’s Virtual Herbarium, in Australia, including 84 that are listed (Erica lusitanica, E. baccans and Spanish heath is a declared plant in the 1992 census of plants growing E. glandulosa) via Royal Botanic in Tasmania and subject to controls in Australian botanic gardens. In total, Gardens Melbourne, Council of Spanish heath detailed in the statutory weed the census listed over 200 species, Heads of Australian Herbaria. management plan (for further details hybrids and forms. Gardens in SA, NSW www.rbg.vic.gov.au/cgi-bin/avhpublic/ the relevant contact can be found on and Tas. recorded large erica collections. avh.cgi. p.11). Spanish heath and angled heath are quarantine weeds prohibited entry Acknowledgments Knowledge gaps into WA, and importation of many other Erica species to that state is Information and guide review: M. Baker, Little is known of the ecological impacts conditional on assessment. Tasmanian Herbarium; V. Stajsic, National of Erica species on native vegetation Herbarium of Victoria; A. Crane and or of the potential for additional There are 132 species, hybrids, cultivars T. Rudman, Tasmanian DPIW; K. Blood, species to become weeds in Australia. and subspecies of Erica in the AQIS Victorian DPI; G. Keighery, Western A number of ericas are ecologically permitted seeds list for import to Australian Herbarium; S. Gehrig, important in their native habitat in Australia. This includes all of the University of Adelaide and T. Hands, Europe or Africa and there is a large naturalised species apart from Spanish Friends of Scott Creek CP, SA. but patchy scientific literature on their heath. Species that are not on the list seed ecology, response to fire and require a weed risk assessment before Case study: P. Franklin, Wellington Park cutting, associated ericoid mycorrhizae they can be imported. The majority of Bushcare Group, Tas. and life history. There has been limited
Weed Management Guide • Spanish heath – Erica lusitanica and other ericas 11
Contacts
State / Department Phone Email Website Territory ACT Dept of Territory and (02) 6207 5111 N/A www.tams.act.gov.au/live/ Municipal Services or 132281 environment NSW Dept of Primary Industries / 1800 680 244 [email protected] www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/weeds Dept of Environment and or 131555 [email protected] www.environment.nsw.gov.au Climate Change Qld Dept of Primary Industries 132523 [email protected] www.dpi.qld.gov.au and Fisheries SA Dept of Water, Land and (08) 8303 9620 N/A www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au Biodiversity Conservation Tas. Dept of Primary Industries 1300 368 550 [email protected]. www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/weeds and Water gov.au Vic. Dept of Primary Industries / Dept 136186 [email protected] www.dpi.vic.gov.au of Sustainability and Environment [email protected] www.dse.vic.gov.au WA Dept of Agriculture and Food (08) 9368 3333 [email protected] www.agric.wa.gov.au
Australia-wide Australian Pesticides and Veterinary (02) 6210 4700 N/A www.apvma.gov.au Medicines Authority (APVMA) Spanish heath
Contact details for state and territory agencies with responsibility for weeds are listed above, along with the APVMA. The APVMA website hosts the PUBCRIS database which contains information on all herbicides that are registered for use on weeds in each Australian state and territory, including minor use permits.
Consult the natural resource management organisation for your region or local council to find local contacts on managing weeds for biodiversity, including community groups working on Erica species. Also seek advice on non-invasive or local native alternatives to planting ericas in your garden.
Refer to the CRC for Australian Weed Management website (www.weedscrc.org.au) for weed management guides including Weeds of National Significance and Alert List species (including heather (Calluna vulgaris)). The Introductory Weed Management Manual (also available from this website) may assist in developing – Erica lusitanica a plan tailored to your situation. collation of relevant ecological data. www.utas.edu.au/dicotkey/DicotKey/
Research into Erica species biology Mather, L.J. and Williams, P.A. (1990). and weed impacts in Australia could Phenology, seed ecology, and age assist in assessing weed risk and structure of Spanish heath (Erica developing management strategies. lusitanica) in Canterbury, New Zealand. and other ericas New Zealand Journal of Botany, Selected references 28:207-215. and further information Randall, R.P. (2007). A global compendium of weeds. Online AQIS Permitted Seeds list: Quarantine database: www.hear.org/gcw Amendment Proclamation 2006 (No. 7) Legislative Instrument— South African National Biodiversity F2006L04007. Institute (2007). Plants of southern www.frli.gov.au/ Africa. www.sanbi.org/frames/infofram.htm Council of Heads of Australian Botanic
Gardens (1992). Census of Plants South Coast Weeds: Berry heath (Erica baccans): Tasmania. in Australian Botanic Gardens. www.esc.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/ Photo: Matthew Baker, Tasmanian Herbarium www.anbg.gov.au/chabg/census Spanish heath—Statutory Weed Csurhes, S. and Edwards, R. (1998). Management Plan: Weeds in Australia: Potential environmental weeds in www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/weeds www.weeds.gov.au Australia: candidate species for Victorian Alert Weeds: Weeds Information Notes— preventative control. National Weeds www.dpi.vic.gov.au/weeds Coastal note for Spanish heath: Program, Queensland Department of www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/index.htm Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle T.J. (eds) Natural Resources. (1996). Flora of Victoria Volume 3: Jordan, G. (2007). Key to Tasmanian Dicotyledons (Winteraceae to dicotyledons. University of Tasmania. Myrtaceae). Inkata Press.
Weed Management Guide • Spanish heath – Erica lusitanica and other ericas Quick reference guide
Regional / local status of Erica species Not yet established Small, isolated outbreaks Widely established Management Prevent establishment Eradicate Contain infestations and mitigate threats goals Strategies Practise weed hygiene Manual or herbicide Native vegetation: required Raise community awareness treatment with follow up Identify high priority biodiversity assets under threat from and capacity to recognise Prevent re-establishment ericas, protect them through implementing long-term site the weeds and the problem or invasion by other management plans following bush regeneration principles Monitor, detect and identify weeds—encourage natural After a fire, weeding with minimum disturbance is particularly possible new infestations regeneration of native important to favour native species recovery and recruitment vegetation over weeds Monitor and keep clean Public and private gardens: sites uninfested Replace any known weedy species Remove other erica specimens if seedlings are produced Roadsides: Map infestations and practise weed hygiene to prevent spread along and from roadsides, containing the species and other ericas at the invasion front in and adjacent to native vegetation Pastures: Seek advice on management options to restore degraded pastures invaded by Spanish heath
Vegetation management plants are under stress, as specified re-establishment from seeds. or weed control? on the herbicide labels. Erica species appear to vary greatly – Erica lusitanica in their seed longevity and capacity A removal program for ericas can be Consider disposal options to form seedbanks. They have been judged successful if the ericas are little studied in Australia and local Active growth may coincide with the ultimately replaced by vegetation that observations may be the most useful production of seeds, so measures are is valued. Adopt a strategic, integrated, source of information. needed during control programs to avoid long-term approach to restore native
Spanish heath seed spread. Piles of cut weeds should 1. Avoid large-scale disturbance that vegetation that is self-sustaining and not be left on top of native vegetation. would create extensive openings minimise reinvasion by ericas or other or areas of bare soil, such as too- weeds. Natural regeneration of native Follow up frequent fire in native vegetation. plants is the best form of restoration 2. Encourage natural regeneration and occurs gradually over many years. It is essential to monitor for regrowth from stumps after physical or chemical of native plants. Apply herbicides during treatment and follow up thoroughly. 3. Identify patterns of invasion and Cut and paint or spot spray. periods of active growth manage likely seed sources and dispersal agents. Herbicide should only be applied when Prevent erica re-establishment 4. Monitor weed-free areas every plants are actively growing. Avoid hot Once mature plants have been few years to detect and remove or wet conditions, or periods when killed, the focus is on preventing seedlings before they mature.
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ISBN: 978-1-920932-68-8
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