Naturalised flora and weeds
Gymnocoronis spilanthoides, Senegal tea, is a class 1 weed. Photo: Kathy Stephens.
Many species of mostly non-native plants have become naturalised in Queensland since European settlement. The Queensland Herbarium defines naturalised species are those that have successfully established populations outside their native range, by reproducing there without cultivation or human intervention. Most naturalised species originate outside of Australia, imported since settlement for food, fodder, as ornamentals, or by accident. A few are native species that have spread to new areas.
New naturalisations are occurring in Queensland at the rate of more than ten each year, and some of these newly established species have the potential to become significant weeds. 1,268 species are currently considered to be naturalised in Queensland. More than 100 of these species are already listed as declared pests under the Land Protection (Pests and Stock Route Management) Act 2002. A further 343 species are listed as doubtfully naturalised by the Queensland Herbarium.
The Census of the Queensland Flora lists the native, naturalised and doubtfully naturalised species currently occurring in Queensland. The Weed Spotters Queensland Network is a state-wide network of volunteer spotters who play a vital role in early detection of potential new weed species.
Last updated 10 October 2011