Publication Date

2017

Publisher

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia

City

Perth

ISBN

ISBN: 9780992308384 (print version), ISBN: 9780992308391 (electronic version)

Abstract

Key points:

  • Australia does not have any native cacti.
  • Opuntioid cacti impact on Australia environmentally, agriculturally and aesthetically, as well as posing a risk to animal welfare and human safety.
  • Invasive cacti are drought resistant and hardy, surviving in low rainfall environments.
  • All species spread vegetatively through the rooting of cladodes (stem segments), fruits or flowers. Some species also spread by seed.
  • Opuntioid cacti vary significantly in their form and habit, ranging from low-growing shrubs under 50 cm to erect trees up to approximately 6 m tall.
  • Australian rangelands are especially vulnerable to cacti invasion.
  • The cost of control often exceeds the value of infested land.
  • There are approximately 31 species of invasive opuntioid cacti present in Australia, and while cacti have naturalised in all Australian states and territories, there is still potential for further spread.
  • Opuntioid cacti can be effectively managed through a well-planned approach that combines several control methods (integrated management) and a long-term commitment.

Number of Pages

12

Keywords

Opuntioid cacti, invasive species, control measures

Disciplines

Agricultural Education | Biosecurity | Weed Science

Maps

Maps are not included as part of the complete document download. If this report contains a map, it will be available in the individual parts list below.

Download

This file is 5.1 MB. Files over 3MB may be slow to open. For best results, right-click and select "save as..."

Share

COinS