A popular houseplant sold at Bunnings and nurseries around Australia has sparked an urgent warning from experts, who are urging Aussies to keep it out of their gardens or risk damaging native bushland.
The alarm was raised by the Sunshine Coast Council after a staff member spotted the fast-growing arrowhead vine – also known as Syngonium podophyllum – spreading through local bushland.
This exotic plant may appear harmless when displayed in a hanging basket, but experts warn that it is causing significant damage to Australia’s environment.
The Dangers of Arrowhead Vine
“Arrowhead vine is a persistent creeper or climber, and once it gets going, it’ll take root wherever it touches the ground,” a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said.
In natural areas, it can smother native plants and completely throw our ecosystems out of whack.
The plant’s juice is toxic and can irritate skin, and poison humans and pets if ingested.
Garden Dumping Fuels the Spread
The plant’s increase outside of our backyards is largely blamed on people illegally dumping garden waste, an offence which comes with heavy fines.
Dumping can cost offenders $333 on the spot, or up to $5,007 if taken to court.
“Small pieces of this plant can easily take root and grow rapidly,” the council warned in a social media post.
“Just one careless dumping can spark an invasion.”
From Pot Plant to Pest
Experts said around 75 per cent of Australia’s worst environmental weeds were once sold as ornamental garden plants.
Over time, they escaped from gardens and began threatening our bushland, farms, and in some cases, even human health.
What You Can Do
The Sunshine Coast Council is now urging Australians to keep the vine contained in pots, and to never toss it into the bush or green waste bins.
“If you’re getting rid of it, bag it and put it in your general waste bin or hang it off the ground to dry out and die,” the council advised.
Residents are urged to check the council’s weed identification site to identify and manage invasive plants.