Description:
Also known as Chinese Privet and Hedge Privet.
Originating in China, Small-leaf Privet is a common tall multi-stemmed shrub to
3m high found in moist, nutrient rich areas. It is hardy, everygreen, fast-growing,
and was formerly used extensively for hedging.
Stems are covered in lenticels (white dots)
Leaves oval to narrow with a pointed tip, pale green and up to 6cm long and
2cm wide. Leaves are opposite and often with wavy margins.
Masses of heavily scented tiny white tubular flowers occur in drooping sprays
in spring.
'Bunches' of distinctive small round purple-black berries persisting into
winter.
Dispersal:
One plant may produce up to a million seeds. Birds, including currawongs and common
mynas carry seeds into the bush. Seedlings are also spread along watercourses.
Impact on Bushland:
Seeks out the more fertile soils of gullies, creeklines and rainforest edges,
shading out native plants. Privet is highly invasive of gardens and bushland and
has no natural enemies. Advantaged by disturbed soil and stimulated by plant breakage.
Up to 100 privets can grow in 1 sq metre of soil.
Control:
| Manual: |
Privet should be removed with caution. Wear clothes that cover up as much
skin as possible. Wear gloves and work carefully. |
| |
Small plants and seedlings can be manually controlled. Dig
up as much of the main root system as possible to discourage suckering. |
| |
Large specimens can be cut
and painted, or scraped and
painted, applying an undiluted glyphosate
based product. |
| |
Seek advice from your local control authority before removing from watercourses
or steep land |
| Chemical: |
Please contact your local control authority for
advice on chemical control. |
Similar Species:
May be confused with the native Grey Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia).
They grow in similar habitats, but the native myrtle has oil glands in its leaves
(clearly visible when the leaf is held up to the sun). Also, when crushed Grey
Myrtle leaves smell similar to their relatives, the eucalypts.
Suggested Alternatives:
For hedging: Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii), and Photinia (Photinia
glabra).
References:
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