The public has been reminded to keep watch for significant weeds which could germinate after recent rainfall.

The call from the Department of Agriculture and Food comes after the discovery of the declared weed Mexican Poppy in Bunbury.

Technical officer Brett Vukelic said six plants had been discovered on a construction site in the city during a routine inspection by the department.

“Mexican Poppy is a P2 declared weed in the South West, which means it must be destroyed,” Mr Vukelic said.

“While it is established in the WA rangelands, it is rarely seen in the South West.

“The discovery is a good reminder for the public to remain alert and to check the department’s website or to call its Pest and Disease Information Service to get any suspect weeds identified.”

The department is coordinating the removal of the plants and is investigating the source of the infestation.

The blue-green-grey plant grows to one metre in height, has extremely prickly leaves, pale yellow poppy-like flowers, hollow stems and a ‘pepper shaker’ seed capsule. The plant oozes yellow latex if cut.



Mexican Poppy is native to central America but is now found in Queensland, New South Wales and WA.

The weed is toxic to stock but few deaths occur as the plant is unpalatable and not readily eaten, however seed contamination could pose a risk to stock feed.

For more information visit the department’s website www.agric.wa.gov.au and search for ‘Mexican Poppy’ or telephone the Pest and Disease Information Service on freecall 1800 084 881.

Acknowledgment: This article is courtesy of theDepartment of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia.