Australian agriculture could lose $5 billion from the colourful flower you might be growing

Once valued for its vibrant flowers and easy maintenance, Gazania was first introduced to Australia between the 1950s and 1970s. Today, it is considered a highly invasive species with a serious ecological and economic threat. The plant is sold in major retail outlets such as Bunnings, Amazon, and various online garden stores.Scientists have urged Australians to reconsider purchasing this popular ornamental plant and raised concerns about its rapidly growing threat to the environment and agriculture.Also Read: World’s largest iron ore mine discovered, $6 trillion find could make Australia unstoppable

According to researchers, Gazania has its roots in southern Africa and has aggressively spread across Western and Southern Australia, taking over grasslands, dunes, stream banks, roadsides, wastelands, and farmland.

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Its rapid growth and resistance to standard herbicides have made it especially problematic in low-rainfall grain-producing regions of South Australia.A study by Muhammad Adnan, a PhD student at the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF), found that Gazania seeds are highly resilient.The research, which collected thousands of seeds from across Australia, revealed that they can survive and germinate under extreme environmental conditions, be it salinity, moisture stress, varying light levels, heat, or even burial depths.

“Gazania may appear colourful and harmless, but its ability to thrive in harsh conditions suggests it could become a year-round weed in many parts of Australia,” Adnan said.

The plant’s resilience is already translating into real consequences. Researchers from La Trobe University warn that Gazania is overtaking productive farmland, leaving crops unable to compete.

The estimated economic impact could reach up to $5 billion annually, particularly affecting Australia’s agricultural sector.

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The Invasive Species Council is now calling for a nationwide ban on the sale of Gazania. “These plants are overrunning native grasslands and entering grain production zones,” said Imogen Ebsworth, Advocacy Manager at the council. “They’re choking out crops and burdening farmers heavily.”

With the growing concerns, Bunnings stated that it complies with all local regulations. “We sell a wide range of locally sourced plants based on customer demand, and we follow all relevant biosecurity guidelines,” a spokesperson said.

While some states have already taken action, South Australia banned Gazania in March 2021, and Victoria listed it as a highly invasive species, experts believe a coordinated national approach is necessary.

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