Researchers have expressed alarm at the uncovering of thousands of online advertisements selling invasive plants that pose a risk to Australia’s wildlife.

Jacob Maher, a PhD candidate and research assistant at the University of Adelaide, was the lead author of a study which found these potentially damaging products were freely available for Australians to purchase across the country.

Prickly pear, other invasive cacti, English ivy, ornamental pond plants and aquatic weeds (like water hyacinth) were among the most common offenders being sold.

In some cases, invasive plants can compete with native plants, making it hard for them to grow, which can have an impact on an entire ecosystem.

Maher said awareness is crucial and that it’s worth taking some time to figure out whether a plant is invasive or declared so in a certain Australian jurisdiction.

“Generally people, particularly like gardeners, are really great at helping each other out and like letting each other know whether or not something is is invasive, so we need to be encouraging that behaviour,” Maher said.