SOUTH West residents should avoid contact with the Geraldton Carnation Weed, a plant that bleeds a toxic sap, after reported sightings of the plant around the Vasse, Busselton and Dunsborough areas.
Euphorbia terracina is an upright perennial that grow to one metre in height, supported by a robust vertical taproot.
The shrub-like herb consists of several green to reddish, slender leafy stems, which branch at the top to produce four or five flower stems.
Flowers are yellow/green cup like structures, quite distinct from the bright green leaves, and occur in spring from August to November.
When broken the weed omits a milky sap that is toxic and should be avoided, especially by people who have sensitive skin.
According to Parks and Wildlife, the sap in the stems of the plant is highly caustic and can cause dramatic and painful inflammations of sensitive skin.
If the sap gets into the eyes temporary blindness is often reported and in some severe cases varying but permanent vision loss has been reported.
It is recommended that those working in its control should avoid handling the weed in the heat of the day or for long periods, work in the cool part of the day and have short exposure times to avoid perspiration and heat.
The sap is the plant’s defence against grazing, deterring native herbivores like kangaroos.
Places Geraldton Carnation Weed is commonly found in the South West:
Tuart Woodland
Nambung National Park
Crampton Nature Reserve
Leschenault Conservation Park
Tuart Forest National Park
Melaleuca Park
Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park
Lake Warden Nature Reserve
Mullet Lake Nature Reserve