THEY may be appealing to the eye, however according to a local environmental group the Arum Lily is not as desirable as it may appear.
Toby Inlet Catchment Group spokesperson Paul Watts said the Arum lily competed with existing plant life, including native flora, and encouraged residents to be proactive in killing the weed.
The Toby Inlet Catchment Group is a volunteer group who work with the community to develop awareness for a healthy inlet and Geographe Bay region as well as to protect wildlife habitats.
The Arum Lily is the large white, flowered weed which bombards the South West region throughout the year, particularly in cooler months.
He said simply “slashing” the tops off them would not kill them which was why the group offer a service to get rid of them free of charge.
This includes access to a quad bike and small spray unit with a herbicide called Chlorsulfuron.
The Department of Parks and Wildlife said in some places Arum Lily’s completely replaced native understorey vegetation which would crowd out native species, which in turn affects the biodiversity of the area.
The department said dense clumps can also have an impact upon water flow, when they grow in wet swampy areas.
If you are interested in learning more, contact the Toby Inlet Catchment Group on 9755 3384.