Environmental

of the Redlands

Weeds

Phone 3824 8611 www.redland.qld.gov.au/IndigiScapes 17 Runnymede Road, Capalaba

6846

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10 G

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Contents

Introduction ................................. 3What is an environmental weed? .......................................... 3

Why environmental weeds are a problem ............................. 3

What we can do about environmental weeds ........................ 4

Weed control methods ........................................................... 4

Declared pests....................................................................... 7

Groundcovers ............................... 8

Vines .........................................20

Shrubs .......................................28

Trees ..........................................36

Aquatic ......................................43

Index .........................................46

For more information ....................47

Cover image: Easter Cassia dominating the understory of bushland.

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IntroductionWhat is an environmental weed?Environmental weeds are introduced plants that have naturalised and invaded our bushland, beaches and waterways thus threatening our natural environment. Most environmental weeds were originally grown as ornamental garden plants. Many environmental weeds are not native to Australia, but some native plants have also become environmental weeds after spreading outside their natural range.

Why environmental weeds are a problemWeeds are the second biggest threat to our natural environment after land clearing. Environmental weeds degrade our natural environment by:• Out-competingnativeplantspeciesforavailablenutrientsandlight;• Takingoverandtransformingnativelandscapes,oftenleadingtolocal

plantoranimalextinctionsandlossofbiodiversity;• Reducingtheavailabilityoffoodandotherresourcesformanynative

animalswhilesometimesbenefitingpestanimals;• Increasingtheriskofdestructivewildfire;• Beingtoxictopeopleandanimals;• Chokingwaterwaysandcausingerosion;• Reducingouraccessto,andenjoymentof,waterways,beachesand

bushland.Weeds are usually very hardy plants. They may reproduce prolifically, grow very quickly and are often tolerant of a wide range of conditions. It is these qualities that make weeds so successful and also make them difficult to control. Weeds commonly thrive where there has been a disturbance to the natural system such as changes in light, nutrients, soil or water characteristics. Animals, wind, water and human activities can spread weeds.Human activities can encourage weed spread through:• Plantinginvasiveplantsingardens,especiallynearbushlandand

waterways;• Clearing,mowingorslashingthatmayspreadseedsandplantmaterial

fromoneareatoanother;• Dumpingsoilandgardenrubbish(prunings,lawnclippings,weeds,etc);• Roadsandtracks,whereweedseedsorvegetativematerialarecarried

inonwalkers’shoes,dogfur,horses,bikesandvehicletyres;• Lightinginappropriatefires.The Redlands is an area of significant biological diversity. The City’s varied wildlife habitats, ranging from riparian rainforest to coastal wetlands, are home to a great diversity of amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles and fish. This diversity is being seriously threatened by environmental weeds.

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What we can do about environmental weedsThe best way to deal with environmental weeds is to prevent their spread:• Learntorecogniseenvironmentalweeds,startingwiththeonesinthis

booklet;• Donotbuyorsellenvironmentalweeds,andremoveenvironmental

weedsfromyourgardenifpossible;• Uselocalnativeplantsinyourgarden–askyournurseryaboutnative

alternativestoweeds;• Disposeofgardenwasteresponsibly-neverdumpgardenclippingsor

aquariumplantsinthebush,inwaterwaysoronroadsides;• Talktoyourfamilyandfriendsaboutenvironmentalweedsthatmaybe

lurkingintheirgardens;• JoinaBushcaregroupandhelpcareforyourlocalbushland;• InquireaboutCouncil’senvironmentalextensionprograms,whichoffer

assistance regarding environmental weed management.

CONTROL TYPE METHODS AND TECHNIQUES

Prevention •Legislation•Quarantine•Education

Manual •Handpulling•Diggingoutcrown(crowning)•Chippingorgrubbing

MechanicalWhile not all of these methods eliminate weeds they may be used in conjunctionwithothercontrol measures

•Mowingorslashing•Pushingbytractororbulldozer•Harvesting•Brushcutting•Chainsawing•Scalping(removingtopsoilcontainingweedseeds)

Chemical •Foliarspraying–spotsprayingandoverspray

•Basalbarkspraying•Steminjection-frilling/chipping/drilling•Cut,scrapeandpaint

Environmental •Naturalregeneration•Revegetation•Fire•Mulching

Biological •Introducingpredatoryinsects•Introducingspecificbiologicaldiseases(fungi,bacteria)

Weed control methodsThe appropriate weed control method or combination of methods will depend on a range of factors including the type of plant/s to be controlled, surrounding landscape and land use, the scale and density of the weed infestations, weather and seasonal conditions, safety, and available resources.Notethatsomeweeds,especiallysucculents,somevinesandgroundcovers need to be carefully removed from the site and placed in a garbage bag before being disposed of as they can regrow from vegetative parts(leavesortubers).

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Due to the viability of many weed seeds, control programs need to be planned and undertaken over a long period of time. Successful weed controlusuallyinvolvesanongoingprogramoffollow-uptreatments and maintenance. Depending on the extent of weeds on your property, plan to undertake work within your physical and resource capability and where possible work with neighbours with similar issues to ensure more effective control over a broader area.Identifying weeds can be difficult and many native plants look similar to weedspecies.Besuretopositivelyidentifyaweedandobtainup-to-dateinformation on appropriate control methods. The information in this weed bookletismeantasaguideonly;seekfurtheradviceonspecificcontrolmethods from the websites and reference books listed in this booklet and from your herbicide supplier. Always wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment such as closed shoes, gloves, long sleeves and pants, and eye protection when weeding. If using chemical control methods always read and follow the instructions on the label of the herbicide. “If in doubt get advice before pulling it out!”

Manual Control MethodsHand pulling is suitable for seedlings, ground covers and grasses. Hand pulling aims to remove the entire weed, including its roots, from the soil. This method is useful for small scale infestations, or when a team of workers is available. It is best to hand pull weeds after rain when soil is moist. Hand tools such as broad knives and trowels can be used to remove underground parts of weeds. Succulent plants or those with tubers or bulbs should be bagged, removed from the site and placed in the bin to prevent them regrowing.Digging out crown(crowning)issuitableforgroundcoversthatwillnotregrow from their extended root system. This requires the growing part of the plant to be cut beneath the ground using a knife. Hold leaves and stems together, and cut through all the roots below the ‘crown’.Chipping or grubbing is suitable for small shrubs, some ground covers and grasses. This method requires weeds to be dug out using a mattock or chip hoe. Depending on the weed, it may be important to expose the root system, and remove the crown. In some cases, a mattock or chip hoe is used to cut the stem of the weed below the ground. This method is useful when the ground is hard. Gloves should be worn to avoid blisters.

Chemical Control MethodsStem injection – frilling/chipping is suitable for larger shrubs and trees with woody trunks.Whenusinganyofthesteminjectionmethodsitisessentialtoapply the herbicide immediately to the freshly cut or drilled sapwood tissue, i.e. within about 15 seconds of cutting or drilling, to ensure active uptake of the herbicide through the plant’s tissues. As the tree is usually left to die and rot, this method should not be used in situations where a dead tree may present a danger through falling limbs or trunk.

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The frilling/chipping method involves cutting through the bark into the sapwood tissue in the trunk, and immediately placing herbicide into the cut. Theaimistoreachthetissuelayerjustunderthebark(thecambiumlayer),which will transport the chemical throughout the plant.Usinganaxe,tomahawkorhammerandchisel,horizontalcutsaremadeintothesapwood around the circumference of the trunk below the lowest branches. While still in the cut, the blade is leaned out to makeadownward-angledpocketandtheherbicideisimmediatelyinjectedintothe pocket. It is important not to entirely ringbark the trunk as this will decrease the uptake of the herbicide. Make anotherseriesofcutsbelowandoverlapping(brickworkpattern)thefirstrow–seediagram.Largertreesmayrequiremorerowsofcuts.Cut - scrape - paint (cut stump) is suitable for smalltomedium-sizedwoodyweedsandsomevines.The plant is cut off completely at its base as close tothegroundaspossible(about2cmabovesoillevel)andatanangle.Aherbicidesolutionispainted onto the exposed surface of the cut stump and the sides of the stump are then scraped lightly to reveal green tissue and more herbicide applied to the scraped area. Take care the brush is not contaminated with soil.It is imperative that the herbicide solution is applied as soon as the trunk or stem is cut (within 10 - 15 seconds) to ensure a good uptake.Scrape and paint is suitable for vines and creepers with woody stems.A sharp knife is used to scrape a very thin layer of bark from a section of stem. A herbicide solution is then immediately applied to the exposed soft underlying green tissue with a paintbrush.Basal bark applicationissuitableforthinly-barkedsaplingsandmulti-stemmed shrubs and small trees up to about 10 cm diameter. This method involves the use of an oil soluble herbicide mixed with diesel which allows the herbicide to penetrate the bark. Seek advice on the choice of herbicide and dilution rate. Herbicide is applied by painting or spraying all of the outer bark from a height of about 30 cms down to ground level.The folia spray method can be used on large, dense infestations of plants like lantana (Lantana camara). Spray over the top of the infestation. The dead or partially dead weeds can be left to minimise erosion and provide shelter for emerging native seedlings. Do not spray large areas unless there are good prospects for natural regeneration and you have the capacity to do the necessary follow up.

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Declared PestsSome of the Environmental Weeds profiled in this booklet are marked as either Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 Declared Pests. These are declared by the Queensland State Government under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.Redland City Council Local Law No.13 (Control of Pests) lists declared pest plant species which are not declared under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 but are declaredlocally.DeclaredpestplantsunderLocalLawNo.13areprohibitedfromsale,supplyortransport without authority. All declared pest plants are prohibited from use in all new restoration or landscaping works. All declared plant pests are prohibited within the city on both public and private land.

Class 1A Class 1 pest is one that has the potential to become a very serious pest in Queensland in the future. We need to prevent the import, possession and sale of these species so that they can’t escape to become pests. All landholders are required by law to keep their land free of Class 1 pests. It is a serious offence to introduce, keep or supply Class 1 pests without a permit.

Class 2A Class 2 pest is one that has already spread over substantial areas of Queensland, but its impact is so serious that we need to try and control it and avoid further spread onto properties that are still free of thepest.Bylaw,alllandholdersmusttrytokeeptheir land free of Class 2 pests and it is a serious offence to introduce, keep or supply Class 2 pests without a permit.

Class 3A Class 3 pest is one that is commonly established in parts of Queensland but its control by landowners is not deemed to be warranted unless the plant is impacting, or has the potential to impact, on a neighbouring ‘environmentally significant area’ (e.g.anationalpark).Itisaseriousoffencetosupply, introduce or release a Class 3 pest.More information on the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 can be found at the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries website at: www.dpi.qld.gov.au.

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Groundcovers

Herbaceous or slightly woody plants. Although some groundcovers may spread by seed (eg Asparagus fern), weeds in this group usually spread by growing over or through the soil. Some groundcover species may also be dispersed by wind or birds.

Native AlternativesThe local native plants listed below are possible alternative or replacement plants for the groundcover environmental weeds in this booklet. The native plants suggested as alternatives are to be used as a guide only. More information on local native plant species can be found in the book references at the end of this booklet.

Long-leavedmatrush Lomandra longifolia

River matrush Lomandra hystrix

Blueflaxlily Dianella caerulea, D. brevipedunculata

Nativeginger Alpinia caerulea

Tall sedge Carex appressa

Kangaroo grass Themeda triandra

Barbedwiregrass Cymbopogon refractus

Sawsedge Gahnia aspera

Everlasting daisy Xerochrysum bracteata

Native/Ivyleafedviolet Viola hederacea

Slender shade grass Ottochloa gracillima

Boobialla Myoporum accuminatum

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Asparagus fernAsparagus aethiopicusHerbaceousperennialwithpersistent,many-branchedstemsupto2mlong.‘Leaves’(actuallyshortstems)upto2.5cm,singleorinclusters,palegreenwithadistinctmid-ribandabruptpoint.Flowersaresmallto0.5cm,bell-shapedandwhitetopalepink.Fruitisapalegreenberry that matures to bright red in late winter/early spring. Able to form dense mats of tuberous roots. Spread by birds and humans.

BalsamImpatiens spp. Also known as: Busy lizzyAn annual herb growing to 60cm. Stems erect, succulent and thick. Leavesovateandserratedwithapointedtip.Brightlycolouredflowersin spring, varying in colour between pink, purplish pink, red or rose. Plants can regrow from a stem part containing a node and can also spread by seed. Grows in moist, shady areas and is particularly invasive along creeks. Spread as dumped garden waste and by water.

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Baby pepperRivinia humilusAn erect herbaceous plant up to a metre tall commonly found in shaded areas such as rainforest edges and creek line areas. Flowers occur in a spike at the top of the plant and are whitish in colour. Fruit are small, round and bright red with each berry containing a single seed. Commonly spread by birds.

Purple succulentCallisia fragransAcreepingsucculentspreadbylongrunners.Leavesarefleshy,purpleto green and form a rosette or whorl shaped arrangement. Flowers are white and fragrant and occur in a spike. Commonly spread as dumped garden waste in bushland areas.

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Creeping lantanaLantana montevidensisPerennial,sprawling,lantanaspeciesupto25cmtall.Thinwirystems.Leavesinoppositepairs,darkgreen,2–3cmlong,ovalwithfinely-serratedmarginsandstrong-smellingwhencrushed.Flowersaresmall and purple with a yellow or white centre in symmetrical clusters. Smallpurplishtoblackberriesinautumn.Oftenspreadbydumpingofgarden waste or by seed and can invade understorey of open forest and woodland surviving on dry ridge tops and slopes with shallow, stony soils.

Crofton weedAgeratina adenophoraErect,perennialherbto1mwithwoodyroots.Leavesopposite, trowel-shaped,brightgreen,5–8cmlong,2–5cmwidewithtoothededges. White flowers in small dense clusters at the ends of branches in spring. Seeds are slender, angular, 2mm long, almost black, with fine white hairs at their tip. Colonises forest margins, stream banks and disturbed areas, preferring shaded wetter areas.

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Elephant grass and Bana grassPennisetum purpureum and P. purpureum x typhoidesTufted perennial grasses growing to 4m, resembling sugar cane in general appearance. Pale green leaves up to 4cm in width, with a strongmid-ribtaperingtoafinepoint.Theflowerheadsareupto30cm in length and range in colour from yellow to purple. Forms bamboo-like,denselytuftedclumpsoncreekbanksandroadsides.

Fishbone fernNephrolepis cordifoliaAwidelycultivatednativeplantnowgrowingasaweedoutsideitspre-European range. Wiry, scaly stems branch and spread over the ground, sometimes bearing fleshy tubers. Can grow densely and expand rapidly to dominatethegroundsurface.Frondserectorarchingto75cmlong.Spreadby dumping garden waste and by spores carried by wind or water. Where fishbone fern appears to be growing naturally in undisturbed bushland and is not apparently a garden escapee it should not be removed.

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Canna lillyCanna indicaAnerect,perennialplantto2mtall.Largealternateleaveswhichtaperto a narrow sheath at the base. Flowers occur in a spike and are bright red in colour. Fruit are hard and textured. Forms dense clumps in disturbed areas and along waterways. Seeds spread by birds, readily regrows from dumped garden waste.

MistflowerAgeratina ripariaSprawling,perennialherbto60cm.Numerousbranchingstemsproducerootsatgroundlevel.Leavesoppositeto8cmlongand2.5cmwide, with toothed edges. Flowers white, in small dense clusters at ends of branches in winter. Seeds slender, angular, 2mm long, black with fine white hairs at tip. Grows on damp hillsides and creek banks and rapidly invades disturbed areas.

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Molasses grassMelinis minutifloraA spreading, densely smothering perennial mat grass. Stems branched and up to 90cm long. Foliage usually sticky and with strong odour resemblingmolasses.Slenderflowerheads,inwinter,are10–20cmlong and purplish in colour when young. Grows thickly from rooted runners.Spreadsfromdisturbedareasadjacenttonativeforeste.g.roads and tracks. Highly flammable but recovers rapidly from fire and colonises burnt areas at the expense of native vegetation.

FireweedSenico madagascariensisAnannualtobiennialherbupto50cmtallwithbranchedstems.Mostlyfoundondisturbedfarmland.Flowersaredaisy-likeandbrightyellow.Seed are white and fluffy and are dispersed by wind. Fireweed can sometimes be poisonous to livestock, particularly cattle and horses.

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Mother-in-law tongueSansevieria trifasciataDense, clumping groundcover preferring moist shady sites. Long,succulent,mottledgreenish-yellowleavesto1m.Oftenintroduced to bushland by garden dumping and can be difficult to eradicate once established.

Mother of millionsBryophyllum delagoenseBryophyllumsaresucculent,perennialherbs.Allhavefleshystemsand leaves. Flowers are orange, yellow or red on stalks held above the foliage. Plantlets may form on the parent plant or regrowth may occur fromtinyleavesorstemsontheground.Numerousseeds.Spreadbyhumans and water.

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Para grassBrachiaria muticaPerennial grass up to 1m. Robust, hollow stems have a prostrate growth habit sprouting new roots wherever nodes touch the ground. Endofstemserect.Leavesarehairyanddarkgreen,upto15cmlongand1cmwide,taperingtolong,finepoint.Leafsheathsalsohairywheretheyjoinstem.Flowerheadsto18cmlongcomposedofseveralspikesabout5cmlong.Thrivesoncreekbanksandinwetlands.

Broad-leafed paspalumPaspalum mandiocanumAtough,clump-formingperennialtoabout1mhighwithleavesto15mmwide.Seedheadonterminalstalks,upto10thin,finger-likespikescarryingmanyseedsinsummer.Spikesgrowhorizontallyoutwards from stalk. Seeds are sticky and are spread by disturbance suchasmowingandslashingandviabirds.Otherpaspalumspeciesare also weedy.

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Polka dot plantHypoestes phyllostachyaSmall,shade-tolerantperennialherbtoabout0.5m.Numerouscultivars display different foliage colours and patterns but typically have soft green leaves with white to pink spots or mottled patterns. Small lavender blue flowers in summer.

Guinea grassMegathyrsus maximus previously Panicum maximumA tall, perennial grass which forms large clumps. Commonly up to 1.5metresinheight.Leafbladesarelongandnarrowwithpointedtips.Seedheadsarelargeandbranchedto40cminsize.Seedsareoblong shaped and purple in colour. Introduced for fodder, guinea grass is common in disturbed areas.

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Singapore daisySphagneticola trilobataForms dense mats of runners on the ground surface that smother nativeplants.Leavesareglossy,notched,somewhatfleshyandoften lobed. Flowers are bright yellow daisy. Able to reproduce by small seeds, but more likely to grow from a section of stem or root. Spread by humans and water.

South African pigeon grass / SetariaSetaria sphacelataTufted perennial grass to 1.8m commonly found bordering waterwaysandindampareas.Inflorescenceisspike-like upto25cmlong.Leavesbluish-greenupto2cmwide.

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Wandering jewTradascantia albiflora and T. zebrinaSucculent, perennial creepers. Tradascantia albiflora leaves are glossy,somewhatfleshy,upto2.5cmlongwithparallelveinsandfine hairs along the leaf margin. Flowers are white with three petals. T. zebrina leaves are larger, up to 6cm with silvery white stripes on the leaf surface and purple underneath. Flowers are pink to purple incolour.Bothcommonlyspreadbygardenwaste.

Whiskey grassAndropogon virginicusAnerect,perennial,tuftedgrassto1metretall.Oftenbrownin colourandleafbladeshairynearthebase.Flowers2-3cmlong, flower in summer. Seed is spread by wind, wildlife and machinery such as tractors. A common weed along roadside edges and in disturbed areas.

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Vines

Vines are climbing, twining or winding plants. These plants use the support of other vegetation to climb upwards toward the light. Vine weeds may topple large trees by their sheer weight.

Native AlternativesThe local native plants listed below are possible alternative or replacement plants for the environmental vine weeds in this booklet. The native plants suggested as alternatives are to be used as a guide only. More information on local native plant species can be found in the book references.

Bowerofbeauty Pandorea jasminoides

Wonga vine Pandorea pandorana

Red Kennedy pea Kennedia rubicunda

Birdwingbutterflyvine Pararistolochia praevenosa

Sarsaparilla vine Hardenbergia violacea

Kangaroo vine Cissus antarctica

Snake vine Hibbertia scandens

Nativejasmine Jasminum didymum

Wombat berry Eustrephus latifolius

Scrambling lily Geitnoplesium cymosum

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Balloon vineCardiospermum grandiflorumPerennial climber to 10m or more. Stems hairy, green with ribs often streakedred,becomingthickandwoodywithage.Leavesdividedintonineleafletsarrangedingroupsofthree.Leafletssoft,hairy,clearly-veined, with broadly toothed edges. Flowers small, four petals, white in clusters. Fruit a papery green capsule maturing to light brown in autumn.

Black-eyed SusanThunbergia alataHerbaceousperennialtwiner.Leavesthree-pointed,triangularorshaped like an arrow head to 7cm long, leaf stalks to 4cm. Flowers borne singly on stalks to 6cm long, orange or yellow, usually with black centre. Fruit a hairy capsule with few small seeds. Mainly spread by humans through garden escapees and dumping.

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MoonflowerIpomoea albaAvigorous,climbingvinewithtwiningstems.Leavesarelargeandheart-shaped.Flowersarewhiteandtrumpetshapedandopenatnight. Fruit capsules are small and round with a pointed tip which darken and split into four sections with maturity. Spread by seed or vegetatively via production of roots along the stems that creep along the ground.

Climbing nightshadeSolanum seaforthianumPerennial twining climber from South America. Stems mostly hairless. Leavesdeeplylobed,hairlessexceptedgesandveinsonundersurface.Flowersmauve-blue,2–3cmacrossingroupsofupto50inspring and autumn. Fruit a bright red berry about 1cm across. Seeds spread by birds and water.

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Cats claw creeperMacfadyena unguis-catiTuberousperennialclimberto30m+.Stemsred-brownageingtogreenthenbecomingwoody,to15cmthick.Leavesdividedintothree,tipleafletformsasmall,three–clawedtendril,otherleafletsto8cm,red-brownageingtodarkgreenaboveandpalerbelow.Flowerssingleorsmallclusters,yellow,trumpet-like,to8cm,fivepetals.Thincapsulefruitto45cm,green,ripeningtobrowninsummer,withwingedseeds.Tuberous, deep, extensive roots dispersed by floods and humans. Seeds dispersed by wind and water.

Climbing asparagusAsparagus africanusPerennialtwiningclimberwithscatteredspinesonstems.Branchesmoreorlesshorizontal.Similartofeatheredasparagus(Asparagus plumosus).‘Leaves’(actuallyshortstemscalledcladodes)to0.7cmlong.Smallgreen-whiteflowersonthetipsofbranchesfollowedbyberriesabout0.5cmacross,blue-blackandripeinautumn/winter.Roots(rhizomes)fibrousandfleshy.Spreadbybirdsandhumans.

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GlycineNeonotonia wightiiAvigorous,twining,perennialvinewithawoodybase.Leavesconsistof3leaflets,darkgreenandbroadlyegg-shaped.Prolific,bean-likeseedpodsupto3.5cmlongcontainrectangular-shapedseeds.Inconspicuous creamy flowers in late autumn. Smothers native trees and understorey vegetation.

Silverleaf desmodiumDesmodium uncinatum. Also known as: Velcro vineA perennial, scrambling leguminous vine with deep tap root and thick stems,rootingatthenodes.Leafletsegg-shapedandcoveredinfinehairs,withpalesilverstripealongmid-rib.Flowersarepink,mauveorblueupto1cmlong,usuallyappearinginearlyautumn.Brownseedpodshavemanyfinevelcro-likehookedhairswhichattachtoclothingor animals.

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KudzuPueraria lobataVigoroustrailingortwiningperennialherbwithalargetuber.Onevinemaycoveravastarea.Stemshairy,upto3mlong.Largeleavesdivided into three leaflets, leaflets often lobed, upper surface green, greyish under. Flowers purple, blue or pink, up to 90 per stem in summer. Fruit a hairy pod to 9cm long. Mostly spread by humans.

Madeira vineAnredera cordifolia. Also known as: Lamb’s tails, Potato vineVigorous climber up to 30m. Stems slender, climbing, becoming softly woody with age. Mature stems produce aerial tubers that are the main wayitreproduces.Leavesfleshy,broadlyeggshaped,tipsroundedorshallowly-indented,baselobed.Flowerscream-coloured,numerous indroopingclustersupto20cmlong,short-lived.Rarelyfruits. Mainly spread by humans and water, possibly also by animals.

NOTE: It is recommended you consult the websites and reference books listed in this booklet or get expert advice before attempting to control this weed as inappropriate control methods can make the infestation worse.

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Mile-a-minuteIpomoea cairicaPerennialtrailingorclimbingvineto5m.Stemshairless,readilysetrootswhenintouchwiththeearth.Leaveshairlessto9cmlongwithfive to seven lobes, middle lobe the largest. Flowers purple, pink or whitish pink, to 8cm across, solitary or in groups of two to three. Fruit afour-valvedcapsule,about1cmacross,eachvalvewithoneseed.Seed with wispy hairs attached. Spread by wind, water and humans.

Morning gloryIpomoea indicaVigorous,perennialclimberto15m.Stemstwining.Flowersblue/purple/violetupto8cmacross,groupedtogether,sepalsupto1.5cmlong.Leavesbroadlyeggshapedwithsmoothorthree-lobededges.Stems readily set new roots even from small segments. Mainly spread by human activities.

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PassionflowerPassiflora suberosa (corky passionflower) P. subpeltata (white passionflower) Slendervineswithtendrilsandraisedglandsonleafstalks.Leavesusuallythree-lobedwithleaftipsofwhitepassionflowermorerounded.Corky passionflower has green stems becoming corky with age, small whitetogreenishflowersanda1.5cmblackberry.Whitepassionflowerhaslargerflowersabout5cmacrosstingedwithgreenandgreen,inedible fruit about 4cm long. Spread by dumping, birds, animals, water and gravity.

SiratroMacroptilium atropurpureumCreepingorclimbinglegume.Brightgreenleafletsaregroupedinthrees,thetwolowerleafletsoftenwitharoundedlobe.‘Sweetpea-like’ dark red purple flowers are borne on long spikes most of the year followedbynarrowpods5–10cmlong.Smothersnativevegetationadjoiningdisturbedareasanddisusedpastures.

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Shrubs

Shrubs are woody plants that are generally multi-stemmed at or near the base. They are typically less than 5m tall.

Fruit and seeds from shrubs are readily dispersed by birds and wind.

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Native AlternativesThe local native plants listed below are possible alternative or replacement plants for the shrub/scrambler environmental weeds in this booklet. The native plants suggested as alternatives are to be used as a guide only. More information on local native plant species can be found in the book references.

Twiggy myrtle Babingtonia similis

Wild may Leptospermum polygalifolium

Broad-leavedpalmlily Cordyline petiolaris

Palm lily Cordyline rubra

Midyim Austromyrtus dulcis

Coffee bush Breynia oblongifolia

Hairy bush pea Pultenaea villosa

Sago flower Ozothamnus diosmifolius

Hairpin banksia Banksia spinulosa

Nativepeach Trema tomentosa (poisonous fruit)

Hop bush Dodonaea triquetra

Sickle-leafwattle Acacia falcata

Eprapah wattle Acacia fimbriata var perangusta

Sweet wattle Acacia suaveolens

Hakea Hakea actites

Hakea Hakea florulenta

Prickly-leavedpaperbark Melaleuca nodosa

Wallum banksia Banksia aemula

Grass trees Xanthorrhoea species

Thyme honeymyrtle Melaleuca thymifolia

Nativemulberry Pipturus argenteus

Swamp banksia Banksia robur

Bluetongue Melastoma malabathricum,

Slender westringia Westringia eremicola

Pointed leaf hovea Hovea acutifolia

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Brazilian cherryEugenia unifloraEvergreen shrub or small tree to 8m. Stems brown, new growth reddish.Leavesusuallyinpairs,basesrounded,darkgreen,glossy,aromatic,to5cmlong.Flowersfourpetals,white,solitaryabout1cmacross, in early spring and summer/autumn. Fruit a deep crimson berry, about 2cm across. Spread by birds, animals, water and humans.

Coral berryArdisia crenataA compact shrub to 1m, often multi-stemmed.Leavesdarkgreen, thick and glossy with tightly waved edges. Flowers small, white or reddish, fragrant and in clusters. Fruit round and glossy red.

Shoe-button ardisiaA. elliptica Ashruborsmalltreeto4m.Leavesare dull and gland dotted below. Newfoliageispinktoredincolour.Flowers occur in clusters and are pink to white in colour. Fruit are round, maturing from pink to dark purple.Bothspecies’fruitaredispersed by birds and mammals.

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DurantaDuranta erecta. Also known as: Geisha girl, Sheena’s goldShrub or small tree with drooping, occasionally spiny branches. Leavesinpairsorthrees,oval,occasionallytoothed,to8cmlong with a short leaf stalk. Flowers blue or pale purple, often with two darker stripes, trumpet shaped, in clusters in summer/autumn. Fruit rounded, orange or yellow, about 1cm across, in large clusters. Colonises densely forested areas, especially near waterways. Spread by humans and birds.

Green cestrumCestrum parquiAnerectperennialshrubtothreemetrestall.Leavesarealternateto12cmlongand2.5cmwide,unpleasantsmellingwhencrushed.Flowers are yellow, tubular and occur in clusters at the end of the stem. Fruit are egg shaped and black with maturity. Green cestrum can be toxic to animals including sheep, horses, pigs, poultry but especially cattle. Spread by birds.

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Easter cassiaSenna pendulaShrubsthatmayscrambleupto3m.Compoundleaves.Leaflettipsrounded, pods long and cylindrical. Flowers showy yellow. Fruit a greenpod,dryingwithage.Seedto0.5cmacross,verylonglived.Seeds spread by birds, insects, gravity and humans.

Groundsel bushBaccharis halimifoliaPerennialshrubto4m.Denselybranched.Leavesdullorpalegreen,alternate,wedge-shapedandlobedintheupperpart,2.5–5cmlong.Flowersmale(yellow,globular)andfemale(whitefloretsatendofbranches)arepresentondifferentplants,6mmacrossandnumerous.Fruit,straw-colouredorbrown,ribbed,3mmlong,toppedbytuftsoffluffywhitehair,makingitreadilywind-dispersed.Flowersinautumn.

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LantanaLantana camaraScramblingevergreen,thicket-formingshrubto4m.Stemswoody,pricklyandoftenfour-sided.Leavescoarse,veinsprominent,margins serrated, finely haired, strongly scented. Flowers in combinations of pink, yellow and cream. Fruit round to 0.8cm across, green maturing to shiny black in clusters. Roots shallow. Spread by birds, animals, water and humans.

NOTE: Hybrid varieties of lantana have been promoted as ornamentals including so-called ‘sterile varieties’. All forms of lantana are considered environmental weeds and should not be planted.

Indian hawthorneRaphiolepis indicaAnevergreen,woodyshrubto2mtall.NativetoChina.Leavesare5-10cmlong,thickandleathery,marginsaretoothedorserrated.Flowers are white to pink and occur in clusters. Fruit are round and blue to black in colour. Seed is spread by birds.

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OchnaOchna serrulata. Also known as: Mickey Mouse plantShrubto3m.Barkonbrancheshasnumerouslenticels(smallcorkyspots).Leavesto6cmlong,edgestoothedandoftenwavy.Shortleafstalk. Flowers yellow, petals each 1cm long. After flowering sepals turnredasfruitdevelops.Fruitblack,glossy,single-seeded.Seedsgerminatereadilyindeepshade.Coppices(reshoots)readilywhencutif not treated. Spread mainly by birds and humans.

Privet (small leaf)Ligustrum sinense Also known as: Chinese privet, Narrow leaf privetShrubupto4mormoreifsupported.Leavesinpairs,variableinsizeandshapeto7cmlong,shorthairsonveinsandstalksofyoungleaves. Flowers small, white with four petals heavily scented, in masses. Fruit oval berry to 0.6cm across in dense clusters, green maturingtopurple-black,inwinter.Spreadbybirds,animalsandhumans.

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Yellow bellsTecoma stansShruborsmalltreeto7mhigh.Leavescompoundwithupto 13leaflets.Leafletsto10cmlong,pointedwithtoothededges. Flowers showy, yellow with reddish lines in throat, in spring/summer. Fruit a long narrow capsule to 22cm, split when mature to release seeds.Seedswinged,about1.5cmlong,numerous.Mainlyspread by wind and humans.

Mock orangeMurraya paniculataEvergreenshruborsmalltreeto4m.Leavescompoundwithleafletsto6cmlong.Newgrowthpalegreen,matureleavesdarkaboveandpaler below. Flower white, about 2cm across and strongly scented. Fruit a berry, about 1cm across, green, ageing to yellow, orange or red. Seeds two per fruit with a high germination rate. Spread by birds.

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Trees

Trees are woody plants, usually with a clear trunk, branching well above ground level. Tree seed is spread readily by birds and wind, and from gardens into the bush.

Native AlternativesThe local native plants listed below are possible alternative or replacement plants for the environmental weed trees in this booklet. The native plants suggested as alternatives are to be used as a guide only. More information on local native plant species can be found in the book references.

Medium to large treesEUCALYPTFOREST

Tallowwood Eucalyptus microcorys

Forest red gum Eucalyptus tereticornis

Grey gum Eucalyptus propinqua

Broad-leavedwhitemahogany Eucalyptus carnea

Swamp mahogany Eucalyptus robusta

Grey ironbark Eucalyptus siderophloia

Broad-leavedironbark Eucalyptus fibrosa

Spotted gum Corymbia citriodora sub. variegata

Brushbox Lophostemon confertus

Pink bloodwood Corymbia intermedia

Forestshe-oak Allocasuarina torulosa

Swamp box Lophostemon suaveolens

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RAINFOREST,WETSCLEROPHYLLFOREST, MOISTGULLIESANDCREEKBANKSLillypillys Acmena and Syzygium speciesBangaloworPiccabeenpalm Archontophoenix cunninghamianaNativetamarind Diploglottis australisBluequandong Elaeocarpus grandisHard quandong Elaeocarpus obovatusSmall-leavedfig Ficus obliquaCrow’s ash Flindersia australisCelerywood Polyscias elegansRivershe-oak Casuarina cunninghamianaBlackwood,Sallywattle Acacia melanoxylonBrownkurrajong Commersonia bartramia, Largeleavedcheesetree Glochidion sumatranumCheese tree Glochidion ferdinandiFoambark Jagera pseudorhusBlackbean Castanospermum australeWheel of Fire Stenocarpus sinuatus

COASTALSITESCoast banksia Banksia integrifoliaBroad-leavedpaperbark Melaleuca quinquenerviaSnow in summer Melaleuca linariifoliaScrew palm Pandanus tectoriusTuckeroo Cupaniopsis anacardioidesCorkwood Endiandra sieberiSwampshe-oak Casuarina glaucaCotton tree Hibiscus tiliaceusBribieIslandpine Callitris columellarisBeachbirdseye Alectryon coriaceus

Small treesSandpaper fig Ficus coronataPlunkett mallee Eucalyptus curtisiiTulipwood Harpullia pendulaNativefrangipani Hymenosporum flavumWhite cedar Melia azedarachNativebleedingheart Homalanthus nutansBlackshe-oak Allocasuarina littoralisBlueberryash Elaeocarpus reticulatusWhite bottlebrush Melaleuca salignaWeeping bottlebrush Melaleuca viminalisMaiden’s wattle Acacia maideniiGrey myrtle Backhousia myrtifolia

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African tulip treeSpathodea campanulataEvergreentreeto25m.Barkroughandgreenish-grey.Leavesglossygreen, made up of seven to 19 oval leaflets. Flowers scarlet, fringed withyellowandbell-shaped.Fruitisalong,woodycapsule.Spreadsby suckering and seed.

Broad-leaf pepper treeSchinus terebinthifoliusTreeto10m,shorttrunk,manybranches.Stemspink-brown,hairy,withlenticels(smallcorkyspots).Leavescompound,withasmall‘wing’alongleafstalk.Leafletsto8cmlong,midtoyellow-green,sometimesred-tinged,pepperaromawhencrushed.Flowerssmall,five petals, cream to white in clusters at ends of branches. Fruit many, round,greenberries,ripeningtoorange/red,about0.5cmacross.Spread by birds, water and humans.

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CadaghiCorymbia torellianaEvergreentreefromNorthQueensland,to30m.Trunkhasa‘stocking’ofgreyscalybarkatthebase,smoothpalegreenbarkabove.Leavespale green, sometimes with a pink tinge, shape variable, wavy edges to16cmlong.Flowersinmassesofscented,cream-colouredballs.Fruit almost round, woody capsule with many tiny seeds. Mainly spread by humans and wind.

Camphor laurelCinnamomum camphoraLargespreadingtreeto20m.Barkgreyishwithprominentverticalcracksontrunk.Youngleavesandstemswithareddishtinge.Matureleaves green above, dull green below, strongly scented of camphor when crushed. Small pale flowers. Fruit a 1cm berry, green, ageing to black. Seed spread by birds, other animals and humans.

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Chinese celtisCeltis sinensisLarge,semi-deciduoustreeto20m.Stemssmooth,lightgreywithprominentlenticels(smallcorkyspots).Leavesto8cmlong,darkgreenabove,palerbelow.Upperleafedgecoarselytoothed,leafbases uneven. Flowers tiny, greenish, in spring/summer. Fruit about 0.5cm,greenageingtoorange/redinsummer/autumn.Spreadmainlyby birds and water.

Cocos palmSyagrus romanzoffianum. Also known as: Queen palmFast-growingtreeto21m.Sturdyridgedtrunk.Leavesgreento4.5mlong with long, strappy leaflets radiating from the central leaf stem. Flowers small and inconspicuous. Fruit a fleshy orange berry up to 2.5cmlong.Spreadbyhumans,flyingfoxes,birdsandotheranimals.

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Coral treeErythrina indica, E. crista galli and Erythrina x sykesiiThorny deciduous trees with bright red flowers. Has ability to spread bysuckeringorfrombrokenoffpieces(thewoodissoft)oftrunkorbranches.Leavesbrightgreenconsistingofthreelargeleaflets,thecentral one on a longer stalk. Thrives on disturbance and is spread by dumping and suckering.

Golden rain tree Koelreuteria elegans subsp. formosanaAhardy,fastgrowingdeciduoustreeto25mtall.Leavesarecompound and bipinnate, leaflets with toothed edges and pointed tips. Flowers are yellow occurring in clusters at the end of branches. Fruit are papery with three chambers and are pink to rose in colour. Seed is dispersedbywind.Onthenationalalertlistforenvironmentalweedsof concern.

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Slash pinePinus elliottiiLeaves20–30cmlong,femaleconeslopsided.Evergreen,resinousandaromatictreesto50m.Leaveslong,needle-likeinbundles.Flowers in separate male and female cones. Female cones open toreleasedarkseedswithwings2–3cmlong.Spreadbywindandhuman activities.

Umbrella treeSchefflera actinophyllaTreeto10m,oftenmulti-stemmed.Leavescompoundwithstalksupto40cmlong.Leafletsarrangedumbrella-like(palmately),upto30cmlong. Small red flowers in sprays held above the foliage. Fruit dark red to0.5cmlongwithasingleseed.NorthQueenslandnativeinvadinglocal bushland. Seeds readily spread by birds and humans.

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Aquatic

Aquatic plants spend at least part of their life with their roots submerged or in very wet soil. Some are free-floating on the water’s surface forming dense mats. Many aquatic weeds spread vegetatively when parts of the plant are broken off and are carried downstream or spread by birds and humans.

Native AlternativesThe local native plants listed below are possible alternative or replacement plants for planting in and around waterways. The native plants suggested as alternatives are to be used as a guide only. More information on local native plant species can be found in the book references.

Water snowflake Nymphoides indica

Tall sedge Carex appressa

Woolly frogmouth Phylidrum lanuginosum

Common rush Juncus usitatus

Lepironia Lepironia articulata

Jointed twig rush Baumea articulata

Hat pins Eriocaulor australe

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SalviniaSalvinia molestaPerennialfree-floatingaquaticplantoftenformingdensemats.Leavesbrightgreen,ovalinshape,about2cmwide.Youngleavesareflatonthewatersurface;olderleavesbendatthemid-ribtobecomepairsalongthestem.Leafsurfacecoveredwithlong,stiff,water-repellenthairs.Bearsnoflowersasitisafern.Foundinslow-movingstreamsand ponds. Prefers high nutrient levels and high water temperature. Escaped aquarium plant.

Senegal teaGymnocoronis spilathoidesAperennialherbwithcreepingundergroundstemsorrhizomes.Stemsareribbedandhollowbetweenjoints.Leavesareoppositeandvariableandshape.Flowerheadsareball-likeandwhiteoccurringatthe end of leafy branches. It grows in still or slow flowing creek lines reproducing from seed and stem fragments.

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Water hyacinthEichhornia crassipesFloatingperennialaquaticherb.Leavesshiny,glossygreen,rounded,waxywithspongyleafstalks5–20cmlongindenseclusters.Flowersbluetomauve,showy,3–4cmlongonspikes50cmlong,3–15flowersperspike.Fruitsthree-celledcapsules.Rootsblackandfibrous.Foundinstagnantorslow-movingwaterbodies,preferringwaterwhichisnutrient enriched. Escaped from ornamental ponds.

Water lettucePistia stratiotesFloating perennial aquatic herb resembling a small floating open headedlettuce.Leavesgreenishyellow,fan-shapedandthickatbase,2.5–15cmlong,8cmacross,coveredbyshortwhitehairs.Flowerssmallandinconspicuous,green,7–12mmlonginthecentreofmatureplants.Fruitresemblesaberry5–8cmwide.Prefersslowmovingstreams or stationary water bodies that are nutrient enriched. Escaped aquarium plant.

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African tulip tree.................38Ageratina adenophora ....... 11Ageratina riparia ................13Andropogon virginicus .......19Anredera cordifolia ............25Ardisia spp .........................30Asparagus aethiopicus ........9Asparagus africanus ..........23Asparagus fern ....................9Babypepper ......................10Baccharis halimifolia ..........32Balloonvine .......................21Balsam.................................9Banagrass ........................12Black-eyedSusan..............21Brachiaria mutica ...............16Braziliancherry ..................30Broad-leafpaspalum .........16Broad-leafpeppertree.......38Bryophyllum delagonese ...15Busylizzy.............................9Cadaghi .............................39Callisia fragrans .................10Camphor laurel ..................39Canna indica......................13Canna lilly ..........................13Cardiospermum grandiflorum ...........................................21Cats claw creeper ..............23Celtis sinensis....................40Cestrum parqui ..................31Chinese celtis ....................40Chinese privet....................34Cinnamomum camphora ...39Climbing asparagus ...........23Climbing nightshade ..........22Cocos palm........................40Coral berry .........................30Coral tree ...........................41Corky passionflower ..........27Corymbia torelliana............39Creeping lantana ............... 11Crofton weed ..................... 11Desmodium uncinatum ......24Duranta ..............................31Duranta erecta ...................31Easter cassia .....................32Eichhornia crassipes .........45Elephant grass...................12

Erythrina spp. ....................41Eugenia uniflora.................30Fireweed ............................14Fishbone fern.....................12Geisha girl .........................31Glycine...............................24Golden rain tree .................41Green cestrum ...................31Groundsel bush .................32Guinea grass .....................17Gymnocoronis spilathoides ... ...........................................44Hypoestes phyllostachya ...17Impatiens spp ......................9Ipomoea alba .....................22Indian hawthorne ...............33Ipomoea spp. .....................26Koelreuteria elegans..........41Kudzu ................................25Lamb’stails ........................25Lantana..............................33Lantana camara.................33Lantana montevidensis...... 11Ligustrum sinense .............34Macfadyena unguis-cati.....23Macroptilium atropurpureum.. ...........................................27Madeira vine ......................25Megathyrsus maximus.......17Melinis minutiflora ..............14Mickey Mouse plant ...........34Mile-a-minute .....................26Mistflower ..........................13Mock orange ......................35Molasses grass..................14Moonflower ........................22Morning glory .....................26Mother of millions ..............15Mother-in-lawtongue .........15Murraya paniculata ............35Narrowleafprivet ..............34Neonotonia wightii .............24Nephrolepis cordifolia ........12Ochna ................................34Ochna serrulata .................34Panicum maximum ............17Para grass .........................16Paspalum mandiocanum ...16Passiflora spp. ...................27

Passionflower ....................27

Pennisetum spp. ................12

Pinus elliottii.......................42

Pistia stratiotes ..................45

Polka dot plant ...................17

Potato vine.........................25

Privet(smallleaf) ...............34

Pueraria lobata ..................25

Purple succulent ................10

Queen palm .......................40

Raphiolepis indica .............33

Rivinia humilus ..................10

Salvinia ..............................44

Salvinia molesta ................44

Sansevieria trifasciata .......15

Schefflera actinophylla ......42

Schinus terebinthifolius......38

Senegal tea .......................44

Senico madagascariensis..14

Senna pendula ..................32

Setaria ...............................18

Setaria sphacelata .............18

Shoe-buttonardisia ...........30

Sheena’s gold ....................31

Silverleaf desmodium ........24

Singapore daisy .................18

Siratro ................................27

Slash pine ..........................42

Solanum seaforthianum.....22

South African pigeon grass 18

Spathodea campanulata....38

Sphagneticola trilobata ......18

Syagrus romanzoffianum...40

Tecoma stans ....................35

Thunbergia alata................21

Tradescantia spp ...............19

Umbrellatree .....................42

Velcro vine .........................24

Wanderingjew ...................19

Water hyacinth ...................45

Water lettuce .....................45

Whiskey grass ...................19

White passionflower ..........27

Yellowbells ........................35

Index

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For more informationWEBSITES:

Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries www.dpi.qld.gov.au

Weedbusters Australiawww.weedbusters.info

Weeds Australiawww.weeds.org.au

Greening Australia Queensland Inc.www.greeningaustralia.org.au

Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Managementwww.weeds.crc.org.au

Redland City Councilwww.redland.qld.gov.au

BOOKS:Weed identification and controlAuld,B.A.andMedd,R.W.,(2002)Weeds–An illustrated botanicalguide to the weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Australia.

Kleinschmidt,H.et.al,(1996)Suburban Weeds, 3rd Edn.Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

Native plants as alternatives or replacement species for weedsLoganBranchSGAP,(2008)Mangroves to Mountains: a field guideto the native plants of south-east Queensland. CopyrightPublishing;Brisbane.

QueenslandMuseum,(2003)Wild Plants of Greater Brisbane.Queensland Museum.

Eustace,R.(1996)Indigenous gardening: Growing Local Native Plants. McBenny,CannonHill.

of the RedlandsAcknowledgementsRedland City Council thanks Gold Coast City Council for permission to use text, images and artwork from their own publication Environmental Weeds of the Gold Coast.

Images contributors: Gold Coast City Council, Redland City Council and Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

This booklet is an education and awareness tool and has not been adopted by Redland City Council as policy. Current June 2010

For further information:

Redland City Council Website: www.redland.qld.gov.au/IndigiScapes

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Website: www.dpi.qld.gov.au

Phone 3824 8611 www.redland.qld.gov.au/IndigiScapes 17 Runnymede Road, Capalaba

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