Weeds of National Significance (WONS)

The listing was confirmed by the National Established Weed Priorities Steering Committee, which assessed 35 nominations against national criteria this year; Wandering Trad was one of just 14 species named a national weed priority.

Wandering Trad is one of the most serious weeds facing the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, a recognised national hotspot for the species. It spreads by vegetative growth into dense, matted carpets that smother the forest floor, and it can invade deeply shaded rainforest gullies that most other weeds cannot establish in. The impact is greatest along creeklines, where infestations degrade habitat and reduce native vegetation diversity.

A biological control agent, the leaf-smut fungus Kordyana brasiliensis, was developed over many years through a partnership between the Community Weed Alliance of the Dandenongs and CSIRO. The fungus infects Wandering Trad and gradually reduces its vigour without harming native species. Monitoring plots were first established near Monbulk and Belgrave, with releases since extended along Sassafras, Ferny, Mast Gully and Emerald Creeks. Since a CSIRO community workshop in May 2019, the fungus has continued to spread and establish, with infected stands showing visibly reduced vigour within two years.

The nomination was supported by Yarra Ranges Council, Cardinia Shire Council, Parks Victoria, the National Landcare Network and the NSW Weed Society. National listing brings no automatic funding, but it would enable Wandering Trad to be prioritised in future grant rounds, building on decades of volunteer effort toward lasting landscape recovery.