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Agapanthus
Environmental Weed
Botanical name: Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis
Photos: Ku-ring-gai Council
Description
A native of South Africa, Agapanthus is a vigorous perennial. Large thickened glossy-green, strap-like leaves up to 50cm long, and robust fleshy root system.
Large globular flower heads in blue, mauve or white flowering in summer. Each flower produces many small black hard coated seeds which are held in a three-sided capsule
Dispersal
Agapanthus is often dumped along bushland edges. It spreads vegetatively to form thick clumps. Its seed is also spread by wind and water.
Impact on bushland
Dense clumping roots capable of displacing all other vegetation. Agapanthus quickly spreads down drainage lines.
Control
Manual: Plants are easily dug out. See Manual Weed Control Techniques.
Chemical: Please contact your local control authority for advice on chemical control.
Similar species
This plant can be confused with the native ground cover, Commelina or Scurvy Weed (Commelina cyanea). Commelina can be identified by its blue flowers and thick, fleshy roots.
Suggested alternatives
- Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos species) 50cm-2m
- Spiny-headed Mat Rush (Lomandra longifolia) to 1m
- Flax Lilies (Dianella species) to 60cm.
References
Weeds of Blue Mountains Bushland Blue Mountains City Council and NPWS - Blue Mountains