Media release no.
Weeds can be a pain at the best of times, despite their reputed medicinal qualities.
That is why Geraldton residents have been urged to report any observations of belly-ache bush, after a woman reported a plant in the garden of her new home. Agriculture Western Australia senior protection officer Fred Hearn recognised the plant, which is a declared weed in the West Kimberley. Mr Hearn said it was unusual to see the plant growing so far south. In Africa and Thailand it is reputed to prevent tumours and in Timor oil is extracted from its seeds to be used as lighting fuel. Despite its exotic uses, the fruit or seeds are toxic to humans and stock, causing gastro-enteritis.