Grass clipped by thieves

By Kath Gannaway
PAUL’S Range State Forest near Toolangi has again been the target of plant thieves.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) officers teamed up with Victoria Police on Sunday, 19 August and seized a large quantity of Xanthorrhoea (spear grass) leaves which DSE North East Forest operations manager, James Stewart, said had been illegally harvested.
Xanthorrhoea is a type of slow-growing native grass tree that can grow to be hundreds of years old.
The leaves, which DSE believes were to be sold to florists, were estimated to be worth $3000.
Mr Stewart said it is the second time in two years that DSE officers have acted on Xanthorrhoea leaves stolen from the Paul’s Range area.
“A male suspect was apprehended during the operation and a substantial amount of spear grass, as it is known in the cut flower trade, was found bundled, wrapped in a green plastic sheet and covered with ferns,” Mr Stewart said.
He said a search of the area revealed a large number of Xanthorrhoea trees had been hacked and their leaves removed.
DSE officers later executed a search warrant at a Ringwood East address and seized a number of documents.
Mr Stewart said Xanthorrhoea species are protected and their illegal harvesting was an offence taken very seriously by the department.
He said cutting large amounts of leaves using unclean equipment could cause disease, which had the potential to destroy the plants.
“This disease can also spread to other plant populations and in turn lead to the loss of habitat for flora and fauna species.”
He added that penalties for anyone found removing or possessing Xanthorrhoea without authorisation were in excess of $5000 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment.
Anyone with information relating to the illegal harvesting of plants can contact DSE on 136 186.