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Balloon
Vine
(Cardiospermum grandiforum)
Balloon vine is easily recognisable. Its compound leaf has toothed light
green, thin textured, hairy leaflets. Flower stalks bearing small white
flowers arise from the leaf axils of the plant (the joint between the
stem and the attached leaf stalk) from summer through to winter. The
most notable feature of the plant is the fruit, which is formed after
flowering. It is a roughly spherical, balloon-like, thin walled capsule,
which contains several large black seeds. The inflated balloon-like
fruits of the plant float readily and aid its dispersal along waterways,
especially during flood times. This vine is most commonly encountered
on the margins of rainforest. It favours high light situations where
it can climb, with the aid of climbing tendrils, into the canopy of
trees growing on the forest edge. The thick curtain of vine stems, which
are formed by vigorous Balloon Vine infestations, smothers existing
native vegetation. The vines eventually kill native rainforest plants
by a combination of canopy collapse and reducing photosynthesis.
Distribution
Can be found scattered along river and creek banks throughout the Hunter
region.
Control
methods
Physical control: Removal can be a useful method on small infestations.
Regrowth will occur from underground stems and seeds.
Herbicide control: The cut/scrape and paint method can reduce
the size of the infestation, and in some cases foliar applications may
be possible depending on the supporting vegetation.
Biological agents: No known agents at this time.
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Bamboo
(Bambusa spp)
The Bamboo family is a complex family of species and subspecies. Many
different types have been introduced for Japanese style gardens and
as ornamental plants. There are two main types - clumping or running.
Depending on the species, they can be as small as 1 or 2 metres in height,
to giant species towering 20 metres high. In some urban situations they
have become a serious problem, particularly when they encroach onto
neighbouring property. Bamboo is considered by some people as an under
utilised resource as it can be used for furniture, privacy screens,
and in buildings. It is a declared Category
W4a Noxious weed in the Newcastle Local Government Area under the
Noxious Weeds Act 1993.
Distribution
Scattered infestations occur throughout the Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be difficult due to the large underground
rhizomes.
Herbicide control: There are herbicides available, however control
can be difficult to achieve even after repeated treatments. There is
also the danger of non target damage to other plants.
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Blackberry
Nightshade
(Solanum nigrum)
Blackberry Nightshade is an annual herb that can vary in growth forms.
Like most species of the Solanum family, the plant is poisonous though
rarely fatal.
Distribution
Is widespread throughout the Region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be effective for small infestations.
Herbicide control: There are a number of selective herbicides
available.
Biological control: No known agents.
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Bridal
Creeper
(Myrsiphyllum asparagoides)
Native to South Africa, Bridal Creeper is becoming a major problem in
riparian zones and bushlands in NSW and other States. Dispersal is primarily
by birds that feed on ripe fruit. Seeds are dropped in scat along fencelines,
under trees, etc. As seeds have a high viability, new infestations occur
over a wide area. The creeper uses fences and trees to support stems
as they grow. This can result in large tangled mats that reduce native
vegetation by reduction of nutrients and sunlight.
Distribution
Infestations can be found in all coastal regions of the Hunter and Central
Coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: Removal can reduce the infestation, however
the plant will re-shoot from underground stems and roots.
Herbicide control: There are registered herbicides available.
Biological control: Agents have been released in several areas
of the Hunter & Central Coast. Results look very promising. For further
information, contact your local Weeds Officers for details.
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Castor
Oil
(Ricinus communis)
A native to tropical Asia and Africa, Castor Oil was introduced to NSW
many years ago. Plants can be found in all areas of the Hunter & Central
Coast, along river and creek banks and disturbed areas. It can be difficult
to control, as seeds can lay dormant for 30 years before germinating.
Castor Oil is an extremely toxic plant, with one of the most toxic substances
in the plant world contained in the seeds. Protective clothing should
be worn when removing seedlings by hand.
Distribution
Widespread along rivers, creeks and neglected lands throughout the Hunter
and Central Coast.
Control
Measures
Physical control: Hand removal of small seedlings can be effective.
Note: Gloves and eye protection should be worn to prevent contact with
sap.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered
for the control of Castor Oil, including selective herbicides that will
not affect grasses.
Weed
Information Sheet PDF
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Giant
Reed
(Arundo donax)
Giant reed is often referred to as Bamboo. It is in fact different specie.
Its origins are not clear but it may have been introduced for a number
of reasons; for use as windbreaks, as a food source, or just as an ornamental
plant. Found along rivers and stream banks, it will form large, almost
impenetrable clumps. Growing from seed and rootstock, if left uncontrolled
it will double its size every two or three years.
Distribution
Found along the lower reaches of the Hunter, Paterson, and Williams
rivers and tributaries, it is slowly creeping upstream with infestations
increasing in the Singleton and Muswellbrook areas.
Control
Measures
Physical control: Established infestations will have well developed
underground rhizomes. These will reshoot if not removed.
Herbicide control: Herbicide control can be difficult. It is
recommended that old stems be cut off, and the resulting regrowth treated
with a suitable herbicide.
Biological agents: None.
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Green
Cestrum
(Cestrum Parqui)
Believed to have been introduced as a garden ornamental plant, Green
Cestrum is now widespread in the Hunter and Central Coast. It is a poisonous
plant with numerous cattle losses recorded each year. Seed dispersal
is by birds eating the fruit and dropping seed in scat. New infestations
are usually found under trees and fencelines. Green Cestrum is a declared
Category
W3 Noxious weed under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. There are a number
of species of Cestrum that can be found in this region; they include
a night-scented variety with similar coloured flowers, and one with
red flowers. All species are poisonous both to humans and animals, and
should be controlled.
Distribution
Widespread in the Maitland, Dungog, and Cessnock areas, and becoming
more common in other regions.
Control
Measures
Physical control: Hand removal of small seedlings can be successful.
Note: Use gloves and eye protection to avoid contact with the sap.
Herbicide control: Various herbicides are registered for control;
using cut stump treatment, or foliar applications. Note: Cestrum is
extremely toxic to animals; the application of herbicides may make the
plant more palatable. Restrict stock access after treatment.
Biological control: No agents available.
Weed
Information Sheet PDF
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Madeira
Vine
(Anredera cordifolia)
An introduced plant from South America, Madeira Vine is also a weed
of backyards and bushlands in the urban areas. It uses other plants/trees
and fencelines for support, and will form dense mats that smother native
vegetation. Reproduction is by seed, and underground and aerial tuber.
It produces masses of flowers that are strongly perfumed; some people
find the smell rather offensive.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
measures
Physical removal followed by stem scraping and application of suitable
herbicide can be effective. Regrowth will occur from underground tubers
and from the aerial tubers so follow up treatment will be required.
Alternatively, an overall foliar spray can also be used, depending on
the situation in which the plant is growing.
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Madeira
Winter Cherry
(Solanum pseudocapsicum)
An introduced plant from South America, possibly as an indoor plant,
Winter Cherry can be toxic to animals and humans. Seeds are dispersed
over large areas by birds that feed on the mature fruit (which looks
like a small tomato). It will grow in a variety of soil types and conditions.
Similar
species
Could be mistaken for Green Cestrum when young.
Distribution
Found in most parts of the region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Small plants can be removed (wear protective
clothing to avoid sap coming in contact with skin).
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered
for control.
Biological control: No known agents .
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Morning
Glory
(Ipomoea spp)
Morning glory is one of a number of scrambling vines that can be found
on river and creek banks. It forms tangled mats that will smother other
vegetation and climb over small shrubs and trees.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Small infestation can be removed by hand. Regrowth
will occur if all roots are not removed.
Herbicide control: Registered herbicides are available.
Biological control: No agents available.
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Moth
Vine
(Araujia sericifera)
An introduced plant from South America, this plant is common along the
banks of rivers and streams, and the urban regions. The plant produces
masses of flowers with a perfume that can be very strong and overpowering.
Distribution
Widespread through out the region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be effective for small infestations.
Herbicide control: Registered products are available.
Biological control: No agents available.
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Mistflower
(Ageratina riparia)
Introduced from the Americas in 1875 as a Garden plant, it was first
recorded as naturalised in the 1930s in Queensland. Mistflower is a
weed of damp places such as river and creek banks. It is a declared
Category
W2 Noxious plant in some parts of the Hunter & Central Coast. Infestations
are increasing in many areas, particularly along the banks of the major
rivers.
Distribution
Can be found in most parts of the Hunter region.
Control
methods
Physical control: Can be effective on small infestations.
Herbicide control: A number of herbicides are registered for
controlling Mistflower.
Biological control: No agents available.
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Noogoora
Burr
(Xanthium spp)
Originally a native of southern Europe, Noogoora Burr is now widespread
throughout most Australian states and territories. It is a declared
Category
W3 Noxious weed under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.
Similar
species
There are a number of Xanthium species in the region that could be confused
with Noogoora Burr. They include Californian, Cockle, and what appears
to be a hybrid of Noogoora and Californian Burr.
Control
Measures
Physical control: Slashing or mowing is of limited value, as
plants will seed on the lower branches. Removal of small plants can
be effective.
Herbicide control: There a number of selective herbicides available.
Biological control: Insects were introduced 10 years ago into
the lower Hunter region. These insects (Epiblema strenuana) have
been very effective in reducing the seeds produced, and are still active.
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Peruvian
Water Primrose
(Ludwigia peruviana)
Peruvian Water Primrose is a relatively new weed to the Hunter & Central
Coast, but it has the potential to become a serious weed in wetlands
and creeks and drainage channels. It is a Category
W2 Noxious plant in the Sydney basin and in Gosford, but is not
declared in other regions of the Hunter. If discovered it should be
reported to your local Council. The weed produces millions of very small
and light seeds that are distributed by wind and water.
Distribution
Can be found in Gosford, Wyong and Port Stephens areas.
Control
measures
Physical control: If
plants have not seeded, physical removal can be an effective way of
controlling.
Herbicide control: Limited herbicides available - check with
your local Weeds Officer.
Biological control: No agents available.
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Privet
(Ligustrum spp)
Introduced as a garden plant, Privet has become a major pest of urban
bushland and riparian zones. Producing numerous berries that are a food
source for some bird species, they drop seeds in scat under trees and
along fencelines over a wide area. Seed viability appears to be quite
high. Privet is a Category
W4b Noxious weed in the Newcastle area.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the area.
Control
measures
Physical control: Effective on small plants only.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered;
using the cut stump treatment or as an overall foliar treatment.
Weed
Information Sheet PDF
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Tree
of Heaven
(Ailanthus altissima)
Introduced from Asia in the early 1900s.Tree of Heaven is a fast
growing tree, a prolific seed producer, a persistant stump and root
sprouter, and an aggressive competitor to surrounding vegetation. It
occurs primarily in disturbed areas, though it may invade undisturbed
habitats.
Distribution
Tree
of Heaven is widespread in the Hunter & Central Coast region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Small (seedling plants) can be removed successfully.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered.
Biological control: No agents available.
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Wandering
Jew
(Tradescantia albiflora)
Introduced
from South America, possibly as a garden ornamental. Wandering Jew has
become widespread in the coastal regions. A weed of moist shaded areas,
it can be found along river and creek banks. Propagation is vegetatively
from stem fragments, with even small pieces having the capability of
growing.
Distribution
Wandering Jew can be found in many areas of the Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
measures
Physical removal: Can be laborious, and the probability is that
regrowth will occur.
Herbicide control: There are registered herbicides available.
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Wild
Tobacco Plant
(Solanum mauritianum)
Like most species of Solanum, Wild Tobacco can be poisonous. Infestations
can be found on river and stream banks, roadsides and disturbed areas.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be effective.
Herbicide control: Registered products available.
Biological control: No agents available.
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Willows
(Salix spp)
A number of species of Willows (approximately 100 according to "Willow
Identification for River Management", by KW Cremer) have been introduced
to Australia. They include Weeping Willow, Tortured Willow,
Black Willow and Crack Willows, with sub species of each
also introduced. Until recently, it was thought that only one gender
of each species had been introduced so that seed production would never
occur. Recent assessment has shown that both male and female species
are present, and that viable seeds are being produced. While Willows
can and do have value, there is concern that they may become a serious
problem along rivers and creeks in the region. Willows are a Category
W4g Noxious weed in the Hunter and Central Coast region.
Distribution
Widespread along river and creek banks throughout the Region.
Control
measures
Physical
control: Often huge in size, physical removal of Willows can be
a problem. Cuttings and stems that are left in contact with the ground
can regenerate.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides available.
Stem injection or cut stump treatment is the preferred option, however
an overall foliar spray is effective.
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