Dietes
Common name
Dietes
Scientific Name
Dietes grandiflora
Type of plant
Bulbs or Corms
About this weed
Unfortunately, this perennial plant is still widely sold in plant nurseries throughout the Perth Region. Whilst it was introduced as a waterwise garden plant it also has invaded urban bushland. The plant will spread by seed as it produces massive amounts of seed each year or through the dumping of garden waste in bushland. Control in bushland is usually done by digging the rhizomes and removing flower heads before the seeds develop.
Description
Dietes are rhizomatous perennial plants with long, rigid, sword-like green leaves. They can grow to 1.2 m in height. The flowers are white with yellow and violet markings. They are produced in abundance during summer, especially after rain. Flowers are followed by 5 cm long green capsules that contain the seeds. This species is common in horticulture in its native South Africa, where it is often used in public gardens, beautification of commercial premises and along roadsides.
Impact on Bushland
If left Dietes will spread over bushland and impact on ecological processes and plant communities.
Location
Dietes has become a weed of bushland close to urban areas. It is still widely used as a waterwise plant.
Priority for removal
High: may become a major threat to conservation values anywhere it has taken hold.
Management (hand)
Control in bushland is usually done by digging the rhizomes and removing flower heads before the seeds develop.
Management (herbicide)
Not available.
Flowering month/s
January, February, November, December
Flower colour/s
White
Information source
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/29832
Additional information
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/weeds/swanweeds/
Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G. and Cousens, R.D. (2007) Western weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia, Second Edition, The Weeds Society of Western Australia, Victoria Park, Western Australia.
