I’M A WEED

Agave americana

Century Plant

Agave americana

Several succulent plants commonly cultivated in gardens are capable of becoming naturalised in coastal areas, particularly if they are dumped there. Century Plant is a large plant consisting
of a rosette of erect broad, sword-like grey leaves with toothed margins. It flowers in a tall branched headSeveral succulent plants commonly cultivated in gardens are

Threat / Problem
• Succulents are highly tolerant of dry conditions and shallow or infertile soils. They may invade disturbed areas, displacing native plants and may also spread into open woodland and grassy remnant vegetation.

Spread
• Most succulents and cacti reproduce vegetatively and are spread by dumping of garden waste. Some also spread by seed after flowering.

Control
• Most succulents can be removed manually, ensuring all material is removed and disposed of off-site.
• Herbicide treatment is by injection or spraying can be effective. Seek specialist advice.

Agave americana

GROW ME INSTEAD

Carpobrotus rossii

Pigface

Carpobrotus rossii

A hardy prostrate, spreading groundcover with stems to 1 m or more long. Leaves are succulent, 3.5-10 cm long and 1 cm wide, curved and triangular in cross section. Flowers are a stiking pink to light purple, up to 6 cm in diameter. The globular, purplish, edible, red fruit is about 2.5 cm long and 1.5 cm wide.

Colourful attractive groundcover for sloping sites, rockeries and low maintenance gardens.

Carpobrotus rossii