South African Bitou Bush Planted for Dunes Now Threatens NSW Coastline

Times of India · environment

South African bitou bush, introduced to New South Wales between 1946 and 1968 to stabilise coastal sand dunes, has become a significant environmental weed. The fast-growing shrub now infests 46% of the state's coastline, with some areas extending up to 10 kilometres inland. This invasive plant smothers native vegetation and alters habitats crucial for native wildlife. Long-running efforts are underway to contain and remove the bitou bush, which was initially valued for its ability to hold loose sand and revegetate mined dunes.