Scientific name: Aristolochia elegans
Description
- Fast-growing vine reaching up to 7 metres in height with woody tightly twining stems
- Heart-shaped glossy leaves, 3 to 10 centimetres long, 3 to 12 centimetres wide
- Forms a dense mat
- Reddish-purple flowers shaped like a traditional Dutchman's pipe, with white and yellow marks, up to 7.5 centimetres long
- Fruit oblong, 4 to 6 centimetres long.
Problem
The survival of the vulnerable Richmond birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) is threatened by this plant.
Its leaves rapidly poison the caterpillars.
Weed status - restricted matter category 3
Includes weeds, pest animals and noxious fish such as gambusia, dingoes and yellow crazy ants.
You must not distribute this restricted matter.
Due to its potential to cause serious economic, environmental or social harm, these weeds are regulated by Council.
We have an annual inspection program for properties in Logan.
Council has the authority to issue a Biosecurity Order to properties with category three restricted matter.
Control method
Foliar Spray
Herbicide is diluted with water at a specific rate, and sprayed over the foliage to point of runoff.
Most suited to shrubs, grasses and dense vines less than six metres tall.
Manual and Mechanical Removal
Manual control uses hands or hand tools to control weeds.
This can be an effective control as it can minimize soil disturbance and can instantly remove the entire weed.
Mechanical control suits larger infestations, using power tools and machinery to reduce the bulk of the problem.
Mechanical control can include slashing, mowing, dozing, harvesting, and felling.
Cut Stump
Involves lopping the weed close to the ground and then spraying the stump immediately (within 15 seconds) with herbicide to ensure absorption.
Herbicide warning
Before using any herbicide always read the label carefully and ensure that the chemical is registered for use on the target weed. All herbicides must be applied strictly in accordance with the directions on the label.
