| Description:
Originating in tropical America, Morning Glory is a vigorous, twining,
herbaceous perennial climber growing to the top of the canopy and forming a dense
blanket over all vegetation. Common in moist, disturbed places.
Leaves are large, light green and heart shaped, usually three lobed. Both
leaves and stems are hairy.
Flowers are distinct violet-blue, 5 to 8cm in diameter occurring anytime in
the year, particularly in warmer months.
Rarely sets seed in Australia. Spreads vegetatively.
Dispersal:
Spreads from dumping on bushland edges. New plants can grow from stem fragments,
rooting at nodes where they contact the ground.
Impact on Bushland:
Has the ability to smother trees and understorey vegetation. This weed is invasive
and poses a significant threat to the bushland environment. It may cause distress
to neighbouring properties both through the plant stems spreading over boundary
lines. Due to the plants' invasive nature, treatment to contain this weed must
start immediately. As this weed is likely to continually grow and spread, total
removal is recommended.
Control:
| Manual: |
Cut the vines close to the ground and dig out as much of the root system
as possible or use the stem scrape technique applying neat Glyphosate-based
product. Some regrowth is likely and should be retreated in the same way. |
| |
The remaining vines in the tree can either be removed or left to rot in situ.
Lengths of vine can be coiled up and left off the ground to dry. |
| |
Note: Do not yank stems running along the ground as rooted fragments will
snap off and grow again. Careful follow up needed. |
| Chemical: |
Please contact your local control authority for
advice on chemical control. |
Similar Species:
Native climbers, Sarcopetalum harveyanum and Stephania japonica,
may be confused with Morning Glory. These also have heart shaped leaves, but tiny
white flowers. Another native species, found on coastal sand dunes, Ipomoea
pes-caprae subsp. brailiensis may also be confused with this weed.
Another weed, Coastal Morning Glory (Ipomoea cairica) has similar
flowers with five-fingered leaves.
Suggested Alternatives:
Wonga Wonga Vine (Pandorea species), Old Man's Beard (Clematis aristata,
Clematis glycinoides), Milk Vines (Marsdenia species)
References:
Weeds of Blue Mountains Bushland, Blue Mountains City Council and NPWS-Blue
Mountains
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