Originally from North Africa, Arabian peninsula and India, Athel Pine (Tamarix aphylla), a Weed of National Significance, is a fast growing tree with serious impacts along waterways in arid and semi arid Australia.
Readily established on saline and alkaline soils, spread by seed, and broken stem material that is moved by flood water. All new plants become reproductive at three years of age.
Established plants also spread vegatatively as roots develop and plant sucker from fallen and buried or limbs and stems.
The movement of soil by earth-moving machinery containing fresh seed and root fragments is another means of spread. Good weed hygiene avoids further spread.
Control requires a strategic program integrating a range of techniques including manual removal and chemical applications.
It is a threat to the pastoral and tourism industry and the riparian biodiversity of central Australia.
No sightings currently exist.
Receive alerts of new sightings
Subscribe
