WEEDS

Vines

Madeira vine – Anredera cordifolia

Fast growing and tenacious, it’s almost a no win situation. The tubers that grow on the vine are the biggest problem. In some circumstances, Glyphosate can be used to kill the plant, by spray or painting, but the tubers on the vine will still be alive and can be high up in trees, where they eventually fall and strike. The tubers are long lasting, are easily detached from the dead vine and can spread on implements, in tire treads, via soil, roadbase, water, and animals. Madeira vine may also have large underground tubers and the ability to reproduce from parts of the tuber, stem or leaves of the vine, makes total eradication a lengthy battle.

Madeira vine is a Class 3 declared plant under Queensland legislation

Cats Claw creeper – Macfadyena unguis-cati

This aggressive climber has a root system that is quite extensive. It reproduces large tubers at about 50cm intervals along the lateral roots which can then reproduce with their own climbing runners. Prodigious amounts of seed are produced in long, thin, brown seedpods, which are spread by wind and water. Can grow to great height and with the tendency to have many offspring from one parent plant, has the ability to completely destroy large trees with its own weight. Complete destruction requires the removal or poisoning of all underground tubers.

Cat’s claw creeper is a Class 3 declared plant under Queensland legislation.

Moth vine – Araujia hortorum

Multiplication of moth vine is usually confined to the immediate area of the parent plant, but due to its abundant seeding can heavily infest local areas. It will cover the tops of shrubs and small trees.

Its milky sap can cause skin irritation.

Brazilian nightshade – Solanum seaforthianum

A recent arrival, so little is known of its potential possibilities. It is able to disperse rapidly as its readily germinating seeds are well liked by birds. Known to grow to 5 meters high, could be bigger.

Caution. Queensland Health Dept – Poisons Information Centre warning. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The leaves and fruit may cause gastro-intestinal irritation, nausea and diarrhea.

Toxicity category rating – 2

Morning Glory – Ipomoea indica (CONVOLVULACEAE)

This well known plant has been long established below the northern side of the old green dump at the start of the divided range section of the Obi Obi rd. The colder climate in the valley may restrict its movement.

Blue trumpet vine or Blue sky vine – Thunbergia grandiflora

Thumbergia species has 3 fast growing, smothering vines, Thunbergia laurifoli, Thunbergia fragrans (both are class 1 weeds) and Thunbergia grandiflora established in North Queensland.

Thunbergia grandiflora (native to India) and a garden escapee may have been seen growing in Montville. Can propagate by seed, stem pieces or suckering from roots. The main tuber of this vine can weigh up to 70 kg.

Note: Proper identification is not confirmed (22/08/08) as the vine is yet to flower.

Thunbergia grandiflora is a declared Class 2 plant under Queensland legislation.

Forage Legumes

Legumes such as Glycine, Green Leaf Green Leaf Desmodium, Silver leaf Desmodium and Siratro were established as pasture plants in the valley by various means, even as the result of aerial seeding.

Properties without livestock have problems in trying to contain the growth of these legumes. Luckily, reasonable sunlight is required for them to achieve its full potential. Given optimum conditions, they are able to completely envelop shrubs in a single years growing cycle. Winter frosts will keep legumes in check but mild winters will allow established areas to become a real headache.

A combined approach of different control methods including chemical, manual and mechanical with land management practices is most effective

Glycine – Neonotonia wightii (FABACEAE)

Glycine and Silver Leaf Desmodium are the most common legumes seen in the valley. Glycine does not seed as well as Silver Leaf Desmodium

Siratro – macroptilium atropurpureum

This creeper is native to tropical America. From Darwin to Sydney, Siratro is common in vegetation around waterways and in coastal sand dune vegetation.

Silver Leaf Desmodium – Desmodium uncinatum

Desmodium, the fastest growing, with its tuberous root system, plus the ability to strike vegetatively and clinging long lasting seed pods, is hard to completely eliminate.

Green Leaf Desmodium – Desmodium intortum

Green Leaf Desmodium has similar characteristics to Silver Leaf Desmodium, except that it does not seed as readily, or has the annoying clinging ability of seed as Silver Leaf Desmodium does.