Dubya Bush (Dubius presidentis), a creeper from Crawford, Texas, is fast becoming a world-wide ecosystem threat. This opportunistic plant with its ugly yellow flowers and aggressive habit was recently introduced into Australia as part of a misguided program to pollinate the Australian political landscape with radical neo-conservative attitudes.

Dubya Bush is a perennial with a dense habit, growing to 1.7 metres. It flourishes amongst right wing remnant vegetation. Given the chance, it forms a parasitic relationship with oil-yielding plants, often resulting in the death of the host plant. Deeply rooted in the military-industrial complex, it has proved resistant to conventional democratic removal methods. Well-known for its invasive habits, it has taken hold in many countries by self-seeding, corporate propagation or by way of underground rhizomes.

The efforts of green-thumbed gardeners to eradicate this pest have been undermined by conservative or simply lazy gardeners who allow it to run rampant on their property. If you find this insidious pest in your paddock, notify the Department of Agroculture immediately. Recent trials in the ACT have found that traditional heckling methods are not effective on this weed and may even encourage it. Weed authorities are hoping United States horticulturalists will take firm action next year to remove the parent plant.