Weed Alerts
We work hard to keep our environment as safe and free from weeds as possible, so everyone can enjoy the incredible natural environment that Port Stephens has to offer.
African Tulip Tree
(Spathodea campanulata)
Images courtesy of Sheldon Navie
We've been working with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) and Hunter Local Land Services (Hunter LLS) to find out if there have been any local impacts from the “African tulip tree” (Spathodea campanulata).
It's been reported that this species may be causing a significant impact on native bee populations, and other bug and insect species because the nectar and pollen of this tree species cause high mortality rates.
This species is not currently regulated in NSW, but in QLD the tree is listed as a ‘category 3 restricted invasive plant’ under the ‘Biosecurity Act 2014’. The African Tulip Tree is also identified as a major invasive species in South America and is regarded to be among the top 100 worst invasive alien species in the world.
If you think you may know the location of an African tulip tree, please take a photograph and report the location to the PSC Environmental Operations team at: weeds@portstephens.nsw.gov.au so they can investigate and manage as required.
Useful links:
- Identification and other useful information: keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/spathodea_campanulata.htm
- Study on the effect of toxic nectar and pollen from African tulip tree: periodicos.uefs.br/index.php/sociobiology/article/view/524/616
- Control information and QLD legislative requirement: daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/52846/african-tulip-tree.pdf