The continuing spread of fireweed ('Senecio madagascariensis') - the hottest of topics

Abstract

Fireweed ('Senecio madagascariensis') is one of the worst weeds of coastal pastures of southeastern Australia. Originating in south eastern Africa, it was introduced to the Hunter Valley in Australia around 1918 (probably through shipping) and has spread north and south in coastal New South Wales and southern Queensland. It has been known in Argentina since the 1940s and is also now known to occur in Japan, Hawaii and Uruguay. In this paper, we examine reports of recent spread of fireweed in Australia and factors that may affect its potential distribution. The weed is causing considerable concern to farmers in some areas of Australia and there is debate as to how easy or difficult it is to control. The question of whether the weed warrants investment in a biological program is discussed.