Pasture Invaders

There are a number of weeds that have recently been turning up in local pastures possibly coming in of the roadsides or imported hay. One of the obvious ones has been Paterson’s Curse which landholders have reported a number of sightings this year. 

Not so well known weeds turning up is Sticky Bartsia (Parentucellia viscose) and its cousin Red Bartsia (Parentucellia latifolia), native from the Mediterranean region, are erect annual herbs partly parasitic on the roots and surrounding vegetation resulting in degraded pasture. Leaves are oppositely arranged, stalkless with coarsely toothed margins. The Red Bartsia is slender and hairy with red-purple flowers with narrow lips. The Sticky Bartsia is sticky and hairy with yellow flowers and broad lips. These plants mainly spread by a very fine seed carried by wind and water. These are spring to summer flowering liking moist sites in pastures. These weeds can be fairly invasive if left unattended and can be controlled with a selective herbicide. Other seasonal imports are Bathurst Burr, Saint Johns Wort, and Thornapple.

Bridal Creeper

Stopping Bridal Creep! Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides)  This creeper is a declared noxious weed (Restricted) across the state competes above ground with a smothering impenetrable web of stems and below ground with a thick mat of tubers. In the 1870’s this was a common garden plant and was popular for wedding bouquets’ and hanging baskets, and has since spread widely from gardens into bushland threatening native species Bridal creeper spreads by birds who love the sweet red berries produced late spring and also re shoots from rhizomes beneath the soil at or before the onset of autumn. Growth ceases in November to December and plants turn yellow and die back down to the rhizome. The plant survives below ground until the following autumn.

An undetected infestation of this weed can have a devastating effect on natural bushland, gardens, and farmland and can be very difficult to eliminate due to the underground rhizomes and tubers.

Control methods can include carefully digging removing tubers although this is very difficult once well established, spraying with an appropriate herbicide and biological control. Two methods of biological control available is the leafhopper and rust fungus. The introduction of the rust fungus has proven to be very effective completely defoliating infested sites.

Currently there is approximately five sites in the South Gippsland region where bridal creeper has been detected. Undoubtedly there will be sites that are undetected. South Gippsland Landcare, Friends groups and other concerned agencies are currently attempting to detect all sites in the region and will be undertaking large scale rust release program in cooperation with our shire neighbours this coming season. Anyone who suspects they have seen bridal creeper can you please ring me with a location or if you would like further information or identification.

Tree Tobacco

Tree Tobacco (Solanum mauritianum). Recently a landholder asked me to identify a plant that when she came in contact it gave her a very nasty rash. On inspection it turned out to be the South American plant Tree Tobacco, a large shrub or small tree growing to 4m. Densely clothed with fine velvety hairs on branches, flower parts, stalks and under surface of leaves. It has very large leaves and small purple flowers All parts of the plant are poisoness but particularly the leaves and unripe green berries and has a smell like tar. This plant is highly poisonous to humans, cattle and pigs, and can possibly cause death if ingested.

Tree tobacco spreads by seed be carried by birds, water, possums and dumped garden waste. Has a high dumpage rate as the plant becomes shabby and loses its appeal. Easiest way to control is by cut and paint method but remember to avoid direct contact with all plant material.

Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

Sometimes referred to as the funeral flower this plant can choke out waterways and wetlands. This perennial herb grows to 1.5 m tall and is evergreen. It is considered highly poisonous to all animals. In humans it is said to cause eczema. Australian hospital records indicate that these plants are a common and significant cause of child poisoning. It is mainly spread by rhizome and seed carried by birds, water, contaminated soil and dumped garden waste. Widely available in nurseries, garden centres and markets. Once established this is a very difficult plant to remove, there is a gel type herbicide available using the cut and paint method.

Boneseed

Boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera) This is another South African plant which is recognised as a Weed of national Significance in Australia. More common in East Gippsland it has been appearing on our local roadsides in South Gippsland in particular it has been observed along the Dumbalk Leongatha Rd. As we not have a lot of boneseed in this area we still have a chance to eliminate it if it is recognized. It is a very invasive weed that readily establishes on roadsides and bushland. Its success is due to its vigorous growth, aided by an absence of natural enemies and the ability to regenerate quickly and out compete other species after fire. The spread of boneseed threatens a number of significant rare or threatened species, such as the brittle greenhood orchid (Pterostylis truncata) in Victoria.

It is a woody shrub grows up to 3m tall reproduces by seed and is spread by slashing, garden waste disposal and birds.. Its flowers are bright yellow usually with 5 to 8 petals, its leaves are green, alternate on stems oval shaped and tapering at the base 2-8cm long with irregular serrations. To control cut and paint method can be used, for larger infestations there are registered herbicides available. Anyone who sites this weed can give me a ring for identification and assistance.

Weed Quote: Weeds don’t need to be cultivated they simply grow for the love of life.