Arum Lily
Common name
Arum Lily
Scientific Name
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Type of plant
Bulbs or Corms
About this weed
A widespread conspicuous Declared Plant primarily found in wet, swampy habitats. Arum Lilies form dense clumps along streams and can restrict water flow and displace native vegetation. These lilies were originally introduced from South Africa for horticulture purposes. Arum Lilies are Declared Plants in Western Australia and all movement is prohibited.
Description
A rhizomatous (tuber-like) perennial to 1 m high that forms dense clumps in swamps and wetlands. In winter produces large white lily flowers. The plant generally survives fire. Originally from southern Africa and introduced as a garden plant.
Impact on Bushland
If left will spread over damp areas of bushland and readily out competes native plant communities. It generally survives fire.
Location
Occurs on the Swan Coastal Plain and through various areas in the South-West Province on loam and sand most often in swamps and damp areas.
Priority for removal
High: major threat to the conservation values of banksia woodlands and South-West Province.
Management (hand)
Early management prevents flowering and seed set but may miss later sprouting tubers. As a Declared Pest and a Pest Plant under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 and has therefore documented control strategies in place.
Management (herbicide)
For the most effective control spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.4 g/15 L of water (or 5g /ha) + 225 mL Glyphosate + Pulse. As Glyphosate is non selective, only apply where there is no chance of off target application on native vegetation. Otherwise, spot spray metsulfuron methyl or chlorsulfuron 0.4 g/15 L of water ( or 5g /ha) + Pulse. Herbicide application can send some tubers into dormancy therefore any control program needs to continue for at least five years. Apply any time between June and September. Early management prevents flowering and seed set but may miss later sprouting tubers. Optimum treatment Jul/Aug/Sep. Read the manufacturers’ labels and material safety data sheets before using herbicides. As a Declared Pest and a Pest Plant under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 and has therefore documented control strategies in place.
Flowering month/s
July, August, September, October, November
Flower colour/s
White
Information source
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/1049
Additional information
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/weeds/swanweeds/
Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G. and Cousens, R.D. (2007) Western weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia, Second Edition, The Weeds Society of Western Australia, Victoria Park, Western Australia.
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/pests-weeds-diseases/weeds/declared-plants
