“Alligator weed is native to South America and is regarded as one of the worst weeds,” Ms Hill said.
“It is a declared noxious weed in all states and territories of Australia because of the harm it can cause to the economy and environment.
“Alligator weed is a particularly hard weed to eradicate because it grows rapidly both on land and in water.
“It can grow from plant fragments spreading from a parent infestation to produce new infestations downstream.
“Mats of alligator weed can cover an extensive area, impact on irrigation and recreational activities, displace local native flora, damage habitat for native animals, clog up drains and other infrastructure and block water flow.
“On land it can be spread by mowing or sharing plants and can quickly invade your yard, making a mess of backyard gardens, smothering other plants and spreading to congest waterways.”
Alligator weed can be mistaken for the vegetable mukunuwenna, or sessile joyweed (Alternanthera sessilis), which looks similar and has short, round leaves.
“It is unsafe to eat as it accumulates heavy metals from the soil,” Ms Hill said.
“Please don’t attempt to treat or dispose of this weed yourself.
“Agriculture Victoria will treat, remove and dispose of alligator weed safely, and at no cost to the landowner.”
You can find more about alligator weed or other state-prohibited weeds online.
If you think you may have seen alligator weed, contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or weed.spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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