Community awareness of the damage being caused by the vigorous noxious Bitou bush along some 80 percent of the NSW coastline, including the Bouddi Peninsula, is a key  element in helping to control its spread.

The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and volunteer groups have done much to control the weed in the Bouddi National Park but there are other areas on the peninsula where the weed continues to spread out of control.

According to the NPWS the bitou bush, introduced to Australia in the early 1900s from South Africa, is threatening 153 native species, two plant populations and 24 ecological communities in NSW. One mature bitou bush can produce up to 50,000 seeds per year. Seed germination  occurs throughout the year, although mainly in Autumn.  Peak seed production generally occurs from June to September. It was declared a Weed of National Significance by the Australian Government in 2000.

Volunteer groups have had considerable success in helping the NPWS in controlling the weed in the Bouddi National Park and at times in areas outside the Park. A group led by Bouddi Society member David Dufty is currently working in Rileys Bay attacking bitou, lantana and asparagus weed.  

David Dufty's group meets every Wednesday.  If you're interested in joining call David on 4360 1650.

Mature bitou plants produce many bright yellow daisy-like flowers. Leaves are three to eight centimeters long, bright green. succulent, oval in shape, with a tapering base and irregular toothed margins. The fruits are green, becoming black when ripe containing a single seed.

While the main responsibility rests with Councils and the NPWS to attack major outbreaks, backed up by the trained volunteer groups, if you know what you're looking for, new growth can easily be uprooted by a passing resident or beachgoer. Every little bit helps!