NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE pg . 17
CAPTAIN COOK TREE / YELLOW OLEANDER
Cascabela thevetia ( syn Thevetia peruviana )
DESCRIPTION
This is a perennial shrub that grows between 2.5 to 3 metres , but can also grow as a tree to 10 metres . It has a milky sap .
Leaves are bright glossy green , long , narrow , and pointed with the margins rolled . They are arranged on alternate areas of the stem .
Flowers are waxy , yellow or peach coloured , funnel-shaped , 5 centimetres wide and slightly fragrant . It flowers all year round .
Fruit is lantern shaped and grows up to 4 centimetres wide . It is green and turns black when ripe . The fruit contains up to 2 seeds .
Habitat along creek lines and floodplains and grows in a wide range of soils from sand to clays . It is found in wet coastal to dry inland regions .
Weed characteristics are the tree forms dense thickets and displaces native vegetation . When older , the trees can produce large amounts of seed . All parts of the plant are poisonous , especially the seeds that can be fatal if ingested . It threatens sustainable pasture production and the environment .
Dispersal especially by older trees . They can produce large amounts of seed that is spread during flood events .
BIOSECURITY MATTER
Restricted . This species is Category 3 Restricted matter under Queensland Legislation .
HOW TO ACT
Wear a mask , gloves and protective clothing when cut stumping as all parts of this plant are poisonous , particularly the white sap . Do not dispose by burning as smoke is toxic . Any regrowth can be treated using a follow up foliar spray or hand pulling seedlings , taking care not to damage any native vegetation .
T R E E S CAPTAIN COOK TREE / YELLOW OLEANDER