RMIT researchers tackle deadly plant

RMIT researchers are investigating a poisonous weed that threatens native Australian animals and livestock and could pose a serious public health risk.

Australian agricultural producers could face significant losses unless steps are taken to eradicate the Glory Lily (Gloriosa superba), an invasive exotic plant that is rapidly spreading along parts of the New South Wales northern coast and south-east Queensland. Isolated outbreaks were recently reported in Portland, Victoria.

Native to Africa and Asia, Glory Lily contains the highly toxic plant chemical colchicine that interrupts cell division and can cause animal miscarriage and death. Collaborative research by RMIT University researchers and NSW wildlife officers aims to determine the level of threat the plant poses to humans and wildlife.

Director of the RMIT University Key Centre for Applied and Nutritional Toxicology, Professor Jorma Ahokas, said colchicine had a unique ability to stop cell division. He said it had the potential to impact on fertility with possible fatal consequences for animals likely to eat Glory Lily leaves or seeds, including native animals such as swamp wallabies and birds; and stock including sheep and goats.

"In Europe, cases of sheep suffering from permanent fleece loss after eating Glory Lily or other colchicine-containing plants have been recorded, and other physiological functions may also be affected, with possible multi-million-dollar consequences for the agriculture industry," Professor Ahokas said.

"Ongoing study will also determine whether colchicine is transferred to humans through meat or milk consumption."

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) approached toxicology experts at RMIT University after rangers at Bongil Bongil National Park near Coffs Harbour suspected that a steep decline in the number of swamp wallabies in the park was linked to Glory Lily ingestion. Professor Ahokas said groundwork methodology established by RMIT researchers would clarify whether the plant was responsible for the deaths.

University researchers have confirmed that the invasive plant thrives in Australian climatic conditions and that colchicine levels are "very high" in affected areas.

Item provided courtesy of RMIT