Sparaxis bulbifera
Scientific Name
Sparaxis bulbifera
Type of plant
Bulbs or Corms
About this weed
These garden escapees were originally from South Africa but are now found in urban bushland particularly in wetter areas. Like many other introduced bulbs it was introduced as a garden plant. There are three species of Sparaxis in Western Australia and a number of hybrids so these plants may not easily identifiable.The photos below were taken at Ashfield Flats where the purple and white form is dominant. However, in other areas the white or cream forms are more common.
Description
Sparaxis is a perennial weed that dies back after flowering.The flowers vary in colour from white to cream to yellow to purple. It can grow to to 0.7 m high.
Impact on Bushland
If left this weed will spread over bushland and impact plant communities. Sparaxis is a serious weed in clay wetlands.
Location
It occurs in the South-West Province mainly on the Swan Coastal Plain and Avon Valley. It is found in various soil types including grey-white sandy, brown or grey-white clay. Also in gravel, granite and limestone. It prefers flood plains, valley slopes, along drains and roadsides.
Priority for removal
Not recorded.
Management (hand)
If hand removing care must be taken to remove all corms.
Management (herbicide)
Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + Pulse® or 2.5-5 g/ha + Pulse®. Apply just on flowering at corm exhaustion. Optimum treatment should be done in September.Read the manufacturers’ labels and material safety data sheets before using herbicides.
Flowering month/s
September, October
Flower colour/s
Yellow, Purple, White, Cream
Information source
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/1558
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.
