An interesting example of cultural views on what makes a weed has appeared
in our city this last year.
Alligator 'weed' is a rapidly spreading, waterplant that can quickly choke
water courses and lakes and render water in affected dams undrinkable.
It is present throughout asia and many continents, but had not been present
in Australia.
It has recently been discovered in Brisbane city. AS it is a declared and
noxious plant here, investigations are going into why it keeps appearing....
and apparently it is a prized herb in cooking by Sri Lankan families (women
probably ??). In order to protect our aquatic environment a Sri Lankan
scientist has been hired to personally speak to these families (women)
througout the city and ask them not to keep or breed it in their yards....
an unfortunate thing if this 'herb' is prized for its healing or nutritional
qualities (as well as taste).
Toni Withers
Centre for Tropical Pest Management
Alan Fletcher Research Station
P.O. Box 36
Sherwood, Q 4075
Brisbane
Australia
ph 61 7 3375 0724
fax 61 7 3379 6815
