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About
About
Cape tulip (Moraea flaccida), a significant weed in Western Australia, emerges from a perennial corm or seed during moist autumn conditions, producing a single green, strap-like leaf. As it matures, it develops a flowering stem featuring six orange petals with yellow centres.
The seeds of cape tulip are dispersed through various means, including water, wind, attachment to livestock, incorporation into livestock manure, and contamination in hay and silage. Additionally, corms can spread via infested soil adhering to farm and road-making machinery.
All parts of the cape tulip plant are toxic to livestock, with cattle being particularly susceptible. Symptoms of poisoning include loss of appetite, weakness, depression, blindness, dysentery, scouring, and paralysis of the hind legs. Death can occur within three days if untreated.
For effective control, herbicide application is recommended between August and September on germinated plants. Subsequent cultivation, such as turning the soil or burning after initial control, can encourage a second germination, allowing for additional management measures.
Management calendar
Management calendar
Control options
Control options
Chemical
Chemical
Due to legal requirements, PHBG cannot recommend specific herbicides. Please click the links below for specific chemical control options for this weed.
Physical
Physical
Cape tulip corms can often break off and be left in the soil when mechanical control is attempted. First loosen the soil so all corms can be removed gently. Corms can be burnt or drenched in diesel. Slashing, mowing, grazing and cultivation are usually ineffective as the plants grow back until corms are exhausted.
Biological
Biological
Possible biocontrol agents are being investigated.
Weed wiper program: cost effective cape tulip control
Weed wiper program: cost effective cape tulip control
Weed wipers are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution that reduces herbicide use, prevents spray drift and improves weed control efficiency. They are ideally suited to treat tall pasture weeds such as Cape tulip.
PHBG owns several weed wipers which are available for local landholders to borrow at no cost for one week during July to September.
Report a Cape tulip hotspot
Report a Cape tulip hotspot
With your help, the PHBG can identify locations of declared weed infestations. We want to know about infestations that concern or affect you. Click the green button below to open the reporting form in a separate tab.
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