Weed profile: Alligator weed
Alligator weed
Alligator weed
Alternanthera philoxeroides
Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) is a potentially devastating aquatic and terrestrial weed affecting waterways, poorly drained and floodplain areas.
It is a native of South America and a major problem in south-eastern United States, China, New Zealand, Burma, Thailand, Indonesia and India. Alligator weed has not reached its potential range in Australia, but has the potential to devastate the environment and agriculture if unchecked.
Alligator weed has extremely vigorous growth and great tolerance to normal control measures which makes it a major threat to wetlands, rivers and irrigation systems.
Status
- Declared in NSW under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (view details)
- Weed of National Significance (definition)