Tradescantia, also known as Wandering Willie, can spread across a wide area from a single fragment. It can prevent native seedlings from becoming established, contribute to flooding and cause dermatitis in animals.
“Tradescantia has waxy, bright green, oval leaves, usually about 2.5cm long,” says Holly Cox, Senior Biosecurity Advisor. “Clusters of white, star-shaped flowers appear from August to November.”
“To remove it, rake or hand pull small areas during a dry period, working towards the centre of the infestation. If weeding on stream banks, always work down a catchment, from the top and the sides. Follow up three or four times a year."
“Tradescantia spreads easily by fragments, so always remove as much weed material as possible. Place it in tightly closed composting weed bags for up to 18 months or until completely broken down. If you don’t have a composting bag, send it to landfill. Don’t put it in your household compost or green waste collection.”
There are also herbicide control options for tradescantia.
