A number of iconic Morton Bay fig trees will be removed from Perth’s Kings Park after they became infested with a destructive beetle, which has been found in more than 80 suburbs across the city.

Native to South East Asia the Polyphagus shot-hole borer beetle (PSHB) was first detected in Perth in August and quarantine measures are in place for much of the metropolitan area.

Along with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will remove beetle-infested Moreton Bay and Port Jackson fig trees from Mounts Bay Gardens. 

Located at the base of the park off Mounts Bay Road, the spot is a popular location for wedding photography. 

The Department has so far inspected more than one million trees on upwards of 59,000 properties in a bid to stamp out the pest. 

About the size of a sesame seed, the tunnelling beetle cultivates a fungus in infested trees. The fungus spreads throughout the plant, blocking the flow of water and nutrients. 

DPIRD acting biosecurity director Sonya Broughton said removal of infested plants was the only way to prevent the beetle from spreading.

“[The shot-hold borer] can severely damage host trees once it takes hold with some species dying within two years of infestation,” she said.

“We are working closely with residents, businesses, Traditional Owners, local and State government agencies and other community organisations to protect our healthy trees from this pest.

“It’s also important that wood and green waste is not moved outside of the Quarantine Area to ensure the pest beetle doesn’t spread beyond the metropolitan area.

A digital campaign to encourage people to report beetle sightings will roll out at Yagan Square over the next month.

Loading