This letter appeared in Letters to the Editor in the Blue Mountains Gazette Wednesday 14 February 2024. The title on the page was Agapanthus and airport flight paths.
It is hard not to notice all the Agapanthus in bloom in the Mountains now. The striking blue, purple or white flowers seem to be everywhere.
However these stunning plants are also serious environmental weeds and are rapidly invading the natural areas of our beautiful World Heritage listed Blue Mountains.
When they colonise natural areas they displace the native flora and reduce habitat for native fauna, degrading the environment.
We all can play a part in limiting the spread of this invasive plant by preventing their seeds entering the environment and resisting the temptation to plant or distribute them.
Cut and enjoy the flowers in a vase (then dispose of them in the green bin) and always dead-head spent flowers to prevent seed dispersal.
Help protect our environment. Please do the right thing!
Keith Brister, Coordinator, Govetts Leap Catchment Group
Govetts Leap Catchment Group 