'Ineradicable' harrisia cactus spreads, killing animals and hurting people

By Brandon Long and Megan Hughes
ABC Rural

Topic:Invasive Species

1h ago

In short:
Harrisia cactus is spreading across Queensland and New South Wales, causing hospitalisations, killing animals and taking over productive land.

With no sure-fire eradication option available, affected landholders are calling for more research and funding.

What's next?
Queensland scientists are experimenting with biological control methods.

Many people may not be familiar with the harrisia cactus, but Ken Stower knows the pain its razor-sharp spines inflict all too well.

He was forced to euthanise his prized $20,000 bull after it stepped on the cactus and the thorns punctured its leg.

More:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2025-01-26/harrisia-cactus-continues-destructive-march-across-queensland/104844858