Fringed spider flower or purple cleome as it is also known, is a declared pest in Western Australia.
It was first detected in mid-2024 as part of a routine Northern Australia quarantine survey in the Kununurra area however DPIRD officers also discovered it in Wyndham late last year.
DPIRD is undertaking further surveillance to determine if the invasive weed has spread into other parts of the Kimberley region.
DPIRD regional biosecurity co-ordinator Lindsay Strange said DPIRD was calling on residents in Kununurra, Wyndham, Broome and Halls Creek to support surveillance efforts by checking their gardens and potted plants for any signs of fringed spider flower and report any suspect plants.
“If residents think they do have a fringed spider flower plant in their garden, please don’t try and remove it, contact DPIRD and an officer will come out to remove and dispose of it to prevent it from spreading into landfill,” Mr Strange said.
“The pest plant is spread via seeds through the movement of stockfeed, soil, potted plants, water, animals, vehicles and on clothing and footwear.
“If fringed spider flower was to become established it could have an impact on horticulture crops due to its invasive nature.”
Fringed spider flower is a small herbaceous plant that forms dense mats that grow up to one meter in height.
It has light purple or pink flowers which are about once centimetre in size and with tightly packed leaves divided into 3 leaflets with clearly defined veins. The stems are covered with fine hairs that can be irritating upon skin contact.
Originally found in tropical Africa, the pest plant is also established in the Northern Territory.
Anyone who suspects they have fringed spider flower in their garden are asked to report it to DPIRD through the MyPestGuide reporter app or via the Pest and Disease Information Service on 9368 3080 or padis@dpird.wa.gov.au
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