Jun 1, 2020
A weed is a plant growing where it’s not wanted. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, just bad here. Some weeds can be beautiful. In the suburbs, where most weeds have escaped from gardens into the bush or along waterways, they were once highly-prized...
Jun 1, 2020
Weed Chinese Elm leaf. Photo: Mark Crocker Description Fast-growing semi-deciduous large tree with smooth bark and scalloped leaves. Native to China, Korea and Japan. Leaves have three main veins at the base. Why it’s bad Creates monocultures where little else will...
Jun 1, 2020
Weed Madiera Vine flowers. Photo: Mark Crocker Description A soft, fast-growing vine with heart-shaped leaves. Large numbers of tubers form along stems and from the roots, producing many more plants when they sprout. Why it’s bad It can engulf native species, reducing...
Jun 1, 2020
Weed Dutchman’s Pipe Aristolochia elegans flower and leaves. Photo: Mark Crocker Description A smothering climber with heart-shaped leaves and pipe-shaped flowers native to Brazil and Argentina. Crushed leaves and cut stems give off an offensive “nail...
Jun 1, 2020
Weed Easter Cassia Senna pendula flower. Photo: Mark Crocker Description Easter Cassia is a native of South America. Around Easter it produces showy yellow flowers, then masses of seed in long pods. Why it’s bad It “jumps the garden fence” and spreads throughout...
Jun 1, 2020
Weed Cane Grass Pennisetum purpureum flower. Photo: Mark Crocker Description A giant grass resembling sugar cane introduced as fodder for cattle, quickly colonising creek edges when the farms became suburbs. Why it’s bad Cane Grass forms dense thickets offering little...
