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Alligator weed
Alternanthera philoxeroides
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The Problem
Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides: Amaranthaceae),
is an invasive plant that originates from South America and
is currently invading Australia. It is primarily associated
with aquatic habitats, but can spread into moist terrestrial
environments. Alligator weed is a perennial plant that does
not produce viable seeds in Australia and spreads by adventitious
rooting, primarily from stem nodes and root material. Earth
moving machinery can move alligator weed propagules long distances,
so providing information to the public on the problems and
identification of the weed is of great importance.
The plant was first recorded in Australia in 1946. It invades
agricultural areas and blocks drainage and irrigation channels
causing problems on agricultural land. Other concerns of alligator
weed include water pollution from plant decomposition and
an increase in mosquito breeding areas. Alligator weed is
one of 20 weeds of national significance (WoNS)
in Australia.
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