The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has praised the support of South West residents in searching for a new invasive weed.
The department issued an alert in December for residents to look out for pokeweed and report any sightings after it was found in the Balingup area.
Pokeweed is an agricultural and environmental weed, and is toxic to livestock and people.
Department invasive species manager Kay Bailey said the department had received more than 20 reports by landowners and residents.
“All reports have been investigated and 16 reports have been confirmed as pokeweed, which have been treated,” she said.
“The landowners involved and the general community have been very helpful and pro-active.
“Willingness to look for, report and control the plants by individual residents has contributed to all known plants being controlled and preventing potential spread of this serious pest.”
Ms Bailey said while all known plants had been removed, the department urged residents to continue to report any sightings.
“This will be a long term program to eradicate the seed bank for pokeweed,” she said.
“Plants may grow in areas not previously seen, from seed deposited by birds.”
She said community reporting had recently led to the first detection of the plant in Bridgetown.
“Although surveillance of the surrounding area did not find any further plants, Bridgetown residents are reminded to be on the lookout,” she said.
Pokeweed looks similar to inkweed, a widespread weed in the South West, but is taller with larger leaves and drooping berry stalks.
It is a large, perennial shrub that grows up to 2.5 metres tall, with bright green leaves, up to 40cm long on a smooth purplish stem.
White to magenta flowers form in elongated clusters that hang from the branches. Deep purple to black berries form in summer and are the most distinctive characteristic of pokeweed.
People who suspect they have seen pokeweed should report it to the department on 9368 3080 or email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.
