Zantedeschia aethiopica
Origin: South and South-East Africa Size: 1.5m H, 1.5m W Fruits: April to July Flowers: November to February Best removal time: September to March
Invades gardens, waterways, irrigation ditches, pastures, bushland and roadside areas. A widespread weed of damp areas. Takes over and chokes out indigenous plants, impeding water flow. Considered poisonous to people and all animals.
This is only practical for small clumps of the plant. It is important to remove all roots from beneath the soil. Alternatively, cut the flower heads before seeding to help prevent spreading. Brush cutting or mowing can done regularly.
You will need to ensure that all the root material is removed when digging out. It is important to avoid dumping the soil elsewhere on your property as this will further distribute the weed. The area should be monitored for any regrowth.
Many lily and iris alternatives exist that are indigenous to the Yarra Ranges region and would make great substitutes for the Arum Lily. Some alternatives include:
Spiny Mat Rush, Lomandra longifolia Butterfly Flag, Diplarrena moraea
By disposing of environmental weeds correctly you can prevent re-infestation on your property and elsewhere.
Non-chemical treatment is often the most effective and safe option especially on smaller scale infestations.
Where chemical use is undertaken:
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