Mapped khaki weed Infestations--West AU
"We call them "Bindy's" . As a matter of fact Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's young daughter Bindy Irwin was named after this little prickle." --Rambo
From OCPaddler forum.
The Australian Connection
In my research, I saw that most (if not all) information about khaki weed comes out of Australia; where the weed is invasive and widespread.
In March, 2011, I sent an inquiry to the Animal and Plant Control Commission (APCC) of the State Government of South Australia. One of the questions I asked them was:
"How significant is the Khaki weed problem there? That is, where does it stand on your list of priorities of invasive/noxious weeds? (I realize that this is a odd question. But here, in Hawaii, it doesn't even appear on the State's list of noxious weeds. I would like to make that comparison.)"
I received back a reply from James Skeer, Land Management Advisor with the APCC. He wrote:
"Khaki weed is regarded as a very serious weed threat in South Australia (SA). The following provisions exist under our state legislation:
a) Entry into SA and movement [of khaki weed] on public roads is prohibited
b) Sale of the plant or produce or goods carrying the plant is prohibited
c) Notification of infestations is required
d) Land owners are required to destroy the plant on their properties"
Non-compliance with this legislation may result in legal action.
Additionally Natural Resources Management authorities in SA are charged with ongoing search and destroy responsibilities, to erradicate khaki weed in that state. See Declared Plant Policy--Khaki Weed (Pdf)
The stunning contrast of attitudes between the two state governments--Hawaii and South Australia--toward the exact same invasive weed, has been a compelling motive behind this report; and it remains an enigma.
