Ranau folks despair over Mexican weeds
Published on: Saturday, December 20, 2014
RANAU: Two "ornamental" flowers that adorned a house here led to despair for the household when they realised the plant may be the dangerous Rumput Miang Mexico (Parthenium hysterophorus).The invasive weed dubbed the "worst weed of the century" – also known as carrot weed – is found to grow in the compound of the Yong family residence in Kg Lasing, about two kilometres from town.Alexius Yong, 33, told the media that the weed was first seen growing in front of their house about four years ago. The Yongs let them grow because of the beautiful flowers.
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"We initially wondered how the first two plants grew in front of our house. They were left to thrive because the white flowers they produce were very attractive."From that day, the plants were left to flourish and spread among other weeds. However, we were surprised when the image of the plant began to circulate in social media stating it is dangerous," he explained.According to Yong, his family was saddened by the news of the dangerous weed as his late mother passed away on Oct 22 this year, aged 72. The family could not help but wonder if her death was due to the weeds.
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"At that time, I recall my late mother clearing the lawn of our home. I saw her plucking the weeds which were then blooming with little white flowers while some were releasing pollen."The uprooted weeds were flowering heavily. Later that day, she complained of breathing difficulties and was rushed to the hospital. Not long after, she died," Yong recalled sadly.
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However, he said at that time, news of Rumput Miang Mexico was not yet known to the public, especially residents in the area thus they disregarded her death to be related to the Mexican weeds.Yong said his elder brother came across a notice concerning the dangerous plant via Facebook about a week ago, and referred the matter to Ranau's Department of Agriculture.The media was informed by the department that affirmative action and removal of the weeds was supposed to be conducted on Thursday, but as at press time, no action was made by the party concerned.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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