Lismore and Northern Rivers landholders need to be on the lookout for Giant Devil’s Fig (Solanum chrysotrichum), which is an introduced and highly invasive woody weed. It is problematic in grazing lands, waterways, forests, roadsides, parks, and gardens and is found primarily in the coastal areas of northern and central New South Wales.

Ashley Donges, North Coast Local Land Services Regional Weed Coordinator, emphasised the importance of community involvement to help prevent the spread of this weed.

"Preventing the spread of Giant Devil's Fig is critical for protecting both our agricultural productivity and our native ecosystems, and we urge all residents and landowners to take proactive measures to identify and control this invasive weed."

Giant Devil's Fig is directly impacting and degrading our farmland as it competes with desirable pasture species with a direct impact on productivity and costs. The plant also contains toxins that can harm livestock if consumed in large quantities. The sharp prickles can also injure people and animals and impede access to stock water.

The impact to natural landscapes across the region is just as far-reaching. The weed forms dense thickets that outcompete native plants

Ashley continued, "Our goal is to equip the community with the knowledge and tools they need to combat Giant Devil's Fig effectively and by working together, we can minimise its impact and safeguard our valuable natural resources."

Under the NSW Biosecurity Act, everyone has a General Biosecurity Duty to prevent, eliminate, or minimise the biosecurity risk posed by Giant Devil's Fig.

To identify Giant Devil's Fig, look for a shrub or small tree up to four meters tall. It has prickly stems and leaves that are very hairy when young, and it has small, white star-shaped flowers that grow in clusters from autumn to spring, producing round berries that turn yellow or orange-yellow. For a comprehensive identification guide, including photos and advice on options for control, visit the NSW WeedWise website https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/GiantDevilsFig.

There is a Giant Devil’s Fig Exclusion Zone in place covering the local government areas of Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Lord Howe Island, Nambucca Valley and Port Macquarie-Hastings. Residents in those areas must notify their local council if it is found and eradicate it immediately.

There is also Containment Zone that covers Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed local government areas. Residents in those areas must prevent the spread of the plant, reduce its impact and report sightings to Rous County Council.

For technical advice, assistance with identification and control methods, residents are encouraged to contact their local council's weeds officer. Detailed resources are also available through the NSW WeedWise website. - NSW WeedWise:

https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/GiantDevilsFig