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Badhara bush (Gmelina elliptica)

Badhara bush is a thorny, introduced shrub locally naturalised in central Queensland, where it forms dense, impenetrable thickets. It is regarded as an environmental weed and is the target of an eradication program near Rockhampton.

Key facts

Type: Weed, shrub.

Native to: South-eastern Asia and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Established in: QLD.

Other names: Asiatic beechberry, Common bulang, Oval-leafed gmelina, Parrot's beak.

Best time to act: Survey and treat plants before fruit matures and birds can disperse the seeds.

Identification

  • Look for a thorny shrub with spiny stems that can form dense thickets.
  • Its leaves are oval-shaped, consistent with the common name oval-leafed gmelina.
  • Flowers and immature fruit may be present among the spiny stems and leaves.
  • Wear care around the plant because its stems are spiny.
  • Look-alike: Parrot's beak (Gmelina philippensis) is a related plant; its flowers are borne in an elongated cluster and its leaf undersides are hairless.

Where it grows

In Australia it is locally naturalised in central Queensland, with known infestations near Rockhampton, including Stanage Bay, and is considered a potential weed of wetter tropical and sub-tropical habitats.

Why it matters

  • Dense, impenetrable thickets can affect natural areas.
  • The species decreases biodiversity and can cause lasting environmental effects.
  • It is considered a potential serious threat to rangeland biodiversity in northern Australia.

How it spreads

  • Seeds are spread mainly by birds.
  • It may have been deliberately introduced as a garden ornamental.

Control options

  • For small plants, use physical removal that takes out the roots; protect workers from the spiny stems and dispose of plant material so it cannot spread.
  • For larger infestations, seek site-specific advice on suitable control methods and use only herbicides registered for the situation, following the product label or applicable permit.
  • Return to treated sites to check for regrowth and new seedlings, and treat them promptly.
  • Report suspected plants or new infestations to the relevant Queensland biosecurity authority, especially outside the known infestation area.

Hygiene and washdown

  • Before leaving an infested site, check boots, clothing, vehicles and equipment and remove any plant material or fruit that could be carrying seeds.
  • Avoid moving contaminated soil or plant material to clean sites.
  • Inspect and clean vehicles, plant and footwear before leaving an infested area, paying attention to tyres, radiators, belly plates, tracks and floor mats.
  • Wash down at a designated bay where runoff is contained and can be monitored for seedlings.
  • Record each washdown so the client has evidence of clean entry and exit.

Classification by state

  • Australia (national): No national listing. Managed under state and territory law.
  • Queensland: Restricted matter, category 3. Do not give it away, sell or release it into the environment. Everyone must also take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise its risks (the general biosecurity obligation).
  • New South Wales: Not a priority weed. Not a state or regional priority weed in NSW. The general biosecurity duty applies: anyone dealing with it must prevent, eliminate or minimise the risk it poses.
  • Victoria: Not declared. Not declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Other Victorian laws may still apply.
  • South Australia: Not declared. Not declared under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. Other laws may still apply.
  • Western Australia: Not listed. Not found in the Western Australian Organism List. Check with DPIRD before moving or keeping it.
  • Tasmania: Not declared. Not a declared weed in Tasmania. Other laws may still apply.
  • Northern Territory: Not declared. Not on the NT A to Z weed list, and Weeds Australia does not list it as declared in the NT. Check the NT declared weeds list before moving or planting it.
  • Australian Capital Territory: Not declared. Not declared under the Biosecurity Act 2023 (ACT). A general biosecurity duty still applies.

Legal obligations

Every state and territory places a duty on landholders and people working on land to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the general biosecurity obligation in Queensland and the general biosecurity duty in New South Wales. Declarations and control requirements differ between states and local government areas, so check the current official list before work starts.

  • Queensland: Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld), administered by Biosecurity Queensland (13 25 23)

Sources