Count the Cactus, Throw the Cactus, Pin the Fruit on the Cactus

Posted on 3 December, 2015 by Connecting Country

The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) is an very successful community group by any measure.

They have an active committee, they have excellent turnouts for their monthly working bees, and they are making steady progress towards their goal. And when they celebrated their 10th birthday on the weekend (29 Nov 2015), it was clear that they have also maintained their sense of humour – and their costume wardrobe.

Party games included ‘throw cactus fruit into a bucket using a pairs of tongs’ (the fruits have needle-like spines), ‘pin a cactus fruit (made of paper) on to a cactus plant’, ‘guess the number of cactus plants in a bucket’ (107) and ‘guess how many seeds in one cactus fruit’ (398 seeds!). In a truly remarkable turn of events, Helen Whiteman, a regular volunteer at cactus field days, won both guessing competitions. Maldon’s cactus savant?

Congratulations to the TCCG committee and members for reaching the ten year mark and for all of their effort they have put into controlling Wheel Cactus in our region.

The group is increasingly trying raise awareness about the threat that Wheel Cactus poses beyond their own backyard. Plants are being reported further and further from the Tarrangower ranges in all directions, as far south as Guildford. It is an issue for land manager across our region to be aware of and to act quickly on if they spot a Wheel Cactus plant in their area. More information on the group and on Wheel Cactus control can be found at www.cactuswarriors.org.

The group can also be contacted through their email – info@cactuswarriors.org.