Athel pine (Tamarix aphylla)
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Athel pine seedlings |
Athel pine is declared a Class B (growth and spread to be controlled) and Class C (not to be introduced to the Northern Territory) weed in accordance with the NT Weeds Management Act . Athel pine is also a Weed of National Significance.
- Athel pine Photo Identification Table (pdf 887Kb)
- Athel pine Weed Note (pdf 2Mb)
- Tamarix species – How to Tell the Difference (pdf 2Mb)
- Case study “Controlling the Finke – An Athel pine success story from the Northern Territory” (pdf 3.6Mb)
- Other Resources
Athel pine is a drought resistant tree which uses high levels of available water. Athel pine is responsible for lowering water tables, thus draining waterholes and depriving native trees and animals of water. Athel pine can excrete salt onto the soil surface, raising the salinity of the soil.
Athel pine can displace Eucalyptus and other native plant species, resulting in dominance of relatively few, often salt tolerant, plant species. A subsequent reduction in the abundance and diversity of birds and reptiles may result.
Athel pine can change river flow patterns, cause overland flooding and bank erosion.
Athel pine can have a negative effect on the cattle industry as it is harder and more expensive to muster in athel pine infestations.