Paralysis warning after 'horrible' invasive tree appears in Aussie garden
Its rapid growth and spread through seeds and root suckers allow it to outcompete native plants and disrupt entire ecosystems, experts warn.
Australians are being warned about an invasive tree species and "major weed" that's finding its way into gardens around the country. Experts say while the tree is "lovely" looking, it can actually pose a serious threat to the health of both animals and humans — and can even result in paralysis.
This week, a West Aussie gardener took to social media to question what exactly the species they found in their garden is. "Anyone able to assist with identifying this?" the WA local wrote. Quickly, people identified the plant as robinia, also known as black locust — a "horrible, aggressive weed" that's "very difficult to get rid of".
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Invasive Species Council's Dr Carol Booth confirmed the identification and warned Australians from planting them in their gardens. "Black locust is a major weed and, lovely though it is, definitely not a tree we should plant in Australia," she told Yahoo. "It can take over native habitats by forming thickets in grasslands and grassy woodlands, and along creeks and rivers.
"It can be difficult to control because it grows rapidly and can sucker from its roots."
Chemical treatment required to remove 'aggressive' invasive tree
Booth said the remnants of the plant can remain "years after being treated", meaning it can grow back. "It requires chemical treatment, and sometimes more than once. It's also poisonous to livestock and humans," she warned.
In Australia, robinia is considered hazardous because it’s both toxic and highly invasive. The plant contains harmful compounds in its bark, leaves, and seeds, which can cause serious health issues in humans and animals if ingested.
Its rapid growth and spread, through seeds and root suckers, allow it to outcompete native plants and disrupt ecosystems. Robinia alters soil composition by adding nitrogen, which can harm native species adapted to Australia’s naturally low-nitrogen soils. Its resilience to control measures, due to its strong root system and tendency to re-sprout, makes managing its spread challenging.
If ingested by a human, robinia can causing symptoms like nausea, weakness, and even paralysis in severe cases. Online, people shared their experiences with the plant.
"Horrible, aggressive weeds that are very difficult to get rid of once they start putting out suckers," one person said. "I was able to get rid of one in my garden by cutting every sucker down to ground level and killing it with glyphosate concentrate."
"Robinia — I wish you the best of luck if you are trying to get rid of it," said a second.
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