Cactus World

Woman's bizarre late night cactus theft caught on tape

🌵 Available here: http://bit.ly/2TqUJSv

First show and sale of the New Year

ILLEGAL CACTI SEIZED 🌵🚫

These cacti might look cute but they are restricted species - and more than 70 were seized from a Bundaberg home after a WA resident saw them for sale online and alerted Biosecurity Queensland.

The plants, including the coral cactus, white ghost cactus, jumping cholla and bunny ears, can spread rapidly through waste and waterways and infest farmland and native bush, injuring wildlife and livestock with their sharp spikes.

Bundaberg Regional Council officers helped track down the person responsible and removed the plants, worth thousands of dollars.

The woman selling the plants was unaware they were illegal and has surrendered them, meaning she will not be penalised - but councillor Wayne Honor says anyone knowingly keeping these species can be fined thousands.

He says a huge risk to the region’s agricultural economy has been eliminated.

Cactus lovers are being urged to stay on the lookout and be careful what you buy.

For a full list of restricted plants in Queensland, visit www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/land-management/health-pests-weeds-diseases/weeds-diseases/invasive-plants/restricted.