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Pink-flowered heath (Erica melanthera)

Erica melanthera is an introduced ornamental heath with localised naturalised populations recorded in Victoria. It is considered a potential threat to heathland and heathy woodland, and further cultivation or escape could increase the risk to native vegetation.

Key facts

Type: Weed, shrub.

Native to: South Africa.

Established in: .

Other names: Erica.

Best time to act: Survey when the shrub is flowering so it is easier to identify, and remove or treat it before seed is produced.

Identification

  • An evergreen, small shrub with fine, narrow leaves crowded along its stems.
  • Look for clusters of rose-pink, tubular flowers.
  • The flowers have dark anthers, a useful feature to check when the plant is in bloom.
  • If identification is uncertain, photograph the whole plant and flowers and seek confirmation from a botanist or local weeds officer.
  • Look-alike: It may be confused with other cultivated or naturalised heaths, including other Erica species; flowering details, especially the dark anthers, help with identification.

Where it grows

In Australia, naturalised plants have been recorded in Victoria, where heathland and heathy woodland are habitats of concern; the species prefers acidic, well-drained soils.

Why it matters

  • It is identified as a potential weed of heathland and heathy woodland in Victoria.
  • If it establishes and spreads, it may compete with native plants and threaten the condition of these vegetation communities.
  • The available Australian records describe localised populations, so early detection and action are important.

How it spreads

  • It reproduces from seed, and cultivated garden plants can provide a source for escape into nearby bushland.
  • Seed-bearing soil or plant material moved from infested sites may help carry it to new locations.

Control options

  • For small plants, remove them carefully by hand or dig them out, taking care to remove the root system and avoid spreading seed.
  • Where physical removal is unsuitable, use only a herbicide registered for the situation and follow its label and relevant land-manager guidance.
  • Bag and dispose of any seed-bearing material so it cannot spread, and revisit treated sites to find and remove regrowth and seedlings.
  • Report suspected infestations to the relevant state or territory biosecurity agency or local weeds officer, particularly outside known occurrence areas.

Hygiene and washdown

  • Before leaving an infested site, remove soil and plant material from boots, tools, vehicles and machinery, and avoid carrying contaminated soil or green waste to clean areas.
  • Keep seed-bearing material contained during removal and disposal.
  • 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: Not prohibited or restricted. Not listed as prohibited or restricted matter in Queensland. 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: Permitted, not declared. Listed as a permitted organism in WA, so it can be brought in, but it is not a declared pest.
  • Tasmania: Declared weed. Property managers are required by law to control declared weeds, and their import and sale are prohibited.
  • Northern Territory: Check NT list. There is no NT weed profile for it. Check the NT declared weeds list for its current status.
  • 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.

Sources