Bubil Watsonia

Watsonia bulbilifera

Bulbil watsonia is a garden plant that has spread to roadsides and woodland. Growing from bulbs, scattered plants gradually grow more densely, eventually crowding out all other plants particularly in wetter areas.

Watsonia, which grows to about a metre high, has bright green sword-like leaves that grow from a bulb during winter. It flowers October to December and the whole plant dies back to the bulb in late summer.

Eradication can be by hand pulling and grubbing out bulbs. Start with scattered plants and work in towards denser patches. Plants can be poisoned by spraying or wiping leaves before flowering.

Watsonia is a native of South Africa.

Do not confuse with the native plants:
Native irises (Patersonia species);
Morning flag (Orthrosanthus multiflorus).

Reference: Stop Bushland Weeds by Meg Robertson
Photos: David Cooke, Animal and Plant Control Commission SA, Glenys Perri, Trees For Life