14 Jan Wild watsonia
Watsonia meriana var. bulbillifera
Once widely, but now rarely, planted as an
ornamental. Major environmental weed
of disturbed bushland and roadsides,
particularly near water. Serious weed in
W.A., S.A., Vic and N.S.W.
Family: Iridaceae
Origin: South Africa
Habit: Erect perennial herb to 2m.
Leaves: Basal linear/Sword-shaped leaves up to 0.6m long with distinct
midrib are arranged in a fan-like formation. Above ground parts
dieback to underground corm each autumn.
Flowers: Curved trumpet shaped salmon pink to Orange red flowers
formed solitary in spike inflorescences on tall reddish
unbranched stems. Spring-Summer.
Fruit: No seed set, but small bulbils are produced in clusters of up
to 16 along the stem below the flowers.
Roots: Globular corm. 1-3 new corms produced each growing season.
Dispersal: Roots, bulbils and corms spread by water, humans,
contaminated soil (earthmoving equipment, car tyres etc) and
garden refuse dumping.
Control: Difficult. Hand pull/dig, ensuring all corms are removed.
Extensive follow-up required. Remove and bag all bulbils.
Foliar sprays available.
