Weeds at the early stage of invasion (early invader weeds) are plants that have naturalised and started to spread, and their eradication is extremely important for the protection of Victoria’s biodiversity.
We are currently targeting several early invader weeds that have been identified in the Raglan/Mount Cole area following the bushfire in 2024.
If you see any of the weeds listed below, please record and report their location to Council’s Environment Officer by phone (1300 797 363), email pyrenees@pyrenees.vic.gov.au or by using Snap Send Solve.
Galenia (Aizoon pubescens - also known as Galenia pubescens)
Description: Widely spreading prostrate herb spreading to several metres across.
Distribution: Infests vast areas of land west of Melbourne and increasing in abundance. Galenia has been identified on Main Lead Road and the northern section of Raglan-Elmhurst Road.
More information on Galenia:
Weeds Australia
VicFlora
Atlas of Living Australia
Lucid
iNaturalist
Balm of Gilead (Cedronella canariensis)
Description: Erect, perennial herb to 2.5 m tall with woody older stems.
Distribution: Balm of Gilead is naturalised in several parts of Victoria including established bushland infestations in Macedon and the Mornington Peninsula. It has been identified along the northern section of Ferntree Gully Road in the Pyrenees Shire.
More information on Balm of Gilead:
VicFlora
Atlas of Living Australia
iNaturalist
Balkan Spurge (Euphorbia oblongata)
Description: Erect, perennial herb to 1 metre high.
Distribution: Known to be spreading from garden plantings in damp areas and along roadsides through parts of Central Victoria around Castlemaine and Macedon. In the Pyrenees, Balkan Splurge has been observed on Red Hill Track.
More information on Balkan Spurge:
VicFlora
Atlas of Living Australia
Lucid
iNaturalist
Cape Pond Lily (Aponogeton distachyos)
Description: Perennial freshwater aquatic herb rooted to the substrate by a tuber-like rhizome.
Distribution: This highly invasive weed occurs in cooler districts and spreads along streams and rivers. It is present in the Macedon Ranges and has been identified on private property on Frees Point Road in the Pyrenees Shire.
More information on Cape Pond Lily:
VicFlora
Lucid
Atlas of Living Australia
iNaturalist
Further reading
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate change has more resources on Early Invader Weeds.
You can learn more about identifying and managing weeds in the Pyrenees Shire by downloading our Weeds of the Pyrenees Region Booklet(PDF, 5MB).