Broad - Leaved Privet

(Ligustrum Lucidum) Native to China, the evergreen Broad-Leaved Privet is thought to have been introduced at Camden Park by the Macarthur family in 1857, probably as a hedging plant. It is now a widespread weed well established along most of the NSW and SE Queensland coastline. With a mature height of around 12 metres, it has successfully invaded bushland, especially along streams where it effectively stops bank erosion, but it has caused severe loss of native flora in these areas. Its dispersal is predominantly via seeds in bird droppings, especially those of currawongs who feast on the fruits in season.