AN infestation of sea spinach on the Seabird seawall will be treated this month as part of the rehabilitation process.
Shire of Gingin President David Roe said after the weed was treated planting of native plants by the community would then follow in July and August.
Cr Roe said sea spinach (Tetragonia decumbens) was an invasive weed that was prevalent in coastal areas throughout the area and strong growth during the past six months on the seawall suggested that if left untreated the sea spinach would out-compete native plants.
Information about sea spinach at http://www.herbiguide.com.au/Descriptions/hg_Sea_Spinach.htm said the weed was found in the Great southern, Swan coastal plain and Warren regions in Western Australia.
“The weed prefers sandy soils and dunes and sand over limestone,’’ herbiguide.com.au said.
“A number of herbicides in the hormone and picolinic acid group are used for control.
“Possibly toxic as the closely related New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonoides) is toxic.’’
Cr Roe said treatment of the sea spinach would help reduce competition for the existing native plants, which were planted by the community in 2016 and benefit the new native seedlings to be planted this year.
“This will be a one-off treatment however the site may require several treatments over the next 12 to 24 months to allow the local native seedlings to fully establish,’’ he said.
“Treatment will take place in mid to late May by shire contractors, as weather permits.’’
