As Australians, we take pride in our lush backyards and gardens, often filled with a variety of vibrant plants that add beauty and character to our homes. However, there’s a growing concern among garden enthusiasts and environmentalists alike about a certain ‘very pretty’ plant that’s causing more harm than good. The glory lily, known for its striking flowers and shiny leaves, has become a toxic invader in our midst.
For decades, the glory lily, also known as gloriosa or flame lily, has been a common sight in gardens across the country. Its upward-arching, colourful flowers and glossy green foliage have made it a favourite among gardeners. But this seemingly innocent plant has a dark side. It has turned into a serious weed, especially on Australia’s east coast in NSW and Queensland, and it’s spreading at an alarming rate.
Leigh, a dedicated volunteer with Coolum & North Shore Coast Care, an environmental nonprofit based on the Sunshine Coast, spoke to Yahoo News Australia about the issue. ‘It’s been around for a while, but we’ve had such a good growing season, it’s just gone nuts,’ she said. The glory lily’s proliferation is attributed to its hardy nature and ability to escape from gardens into the wild, where it becomes almost impossible to eradicate.
The problem with the glory lily isn’t just its invasive nature; it’s also highly toxic. The plant poses a significant risk to native plants and wildlife, including birds and pets. It can outcompete native shrubs by forming a dense carpet, effectively choking out other plant life. Leigh explained that the glory lily’s root system is particularly troublesome, with white tubers that are difficult to remove completely. Even if you manage to dig up the roots, tiny bulbs often remain in the soil, leading to regrowth.
Each glory lily plant can produce over 1,000 seeds, contributing to its rapid spread. Dr Carol Booth, Principal Policy Analyst at the Invasive Species Council, expressed concern over the continued sale of this plant despite its invasive status. ‘It is still being sold despite clear evidence that it is highly invasive,’ she said. The plant often spreads from dumped garden waste and is now threatening coastal dunes, scrubs, and rainforests.
While seedlings can be dug out, Dr Booth mentioned that repeat herbicide treatment is often necessary to kill the plants. The Sunshine Coast Council recommends solarisation as an effective management technique, which involves covering the soil with thick black plastic to prevent light from reaching the seeds or bulbs.
When volunteers from Coolum & North Shore Coast Care encounter a glory lily in the wild, they take immediate action by removing the flowers to prevent seed production. These flowers are then disposed of in a secure manner to avoid further contamination.
The toxicity of the glory lily extends to all parts of the plant, posing a danger to humans and pets. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to serious health issues, including a burning sensation in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, convulsions, and even respiratory paralysis. Skin contact with the tubers can cause numbness and tingling. There have been reports of dogs dying after chewing on the tubers.
Given its status as a significant environmental weed in NSW and Queensland and a potential threat in other parts of the country, it’s crucial for Australians to be aware of the glory lily’s dangers. Last year, the Invasive Species Council highlighted the cost of escaped household plants to Australia’s agriculture industry, which exceeds $4.3 billion annually. Retail giant Bunnings was mentioned among nurseries stocking plants deemed ‘highly invasive’.
As we continue to enjoy the beauty of our gardens, let’s remain vigilant about the plants we introduce into our environment. By choosing native species and being mindful of the potential impacts of our gardening choices, we can help protect our local ecosystems and the unique biodiversity that makes Australia so special.
Have you encountered the glory lily in your garden or local area? What steps have you taken to manage this invasive plant? We’d love to hear your experiences, tips, and any advice you have for keeping our gardens safe and sustainable. Drop a comment below and join the conversation!
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