Our local Landcarer Wendy shared: “On Wednesday morning I found a “pretty” flower when walking the dogs along the Greenway. I took it home, and to the Landcare Centre- Umali barai-ku on Wednesday afternoon. While waiting for a meeting to progress I picked up a copy of Weeds of the Hunter Region, and there it was on page 16 - Chinese Violet, Asystasia gangetica subsp. Micrantha… it was an important find. Professional teams have since been out on two occasion to get rid of it.”
This plant is on the National Environmental Alert List and more pictures and information can be found here. Here’s a snapshot of why it’s a worry.
Chinese violet is a fast-growing perennial creeper that forms sprawling mats. It normally grows to 1 m high. However, if climbing over vegetation, it can reach 3 m in height. Vines may die back after releasing their seeds.
If left to run rampant it can:
- smother and outcompete native plants,
- reduce food and shelter for native animals, and
- smother garden plants and lawns.
It spreads by seeds and plant parts. Small fragments of stems can take root at each node when they come into contact with moist soil. Most infestations have started from dumped garden waste or garden escapees. Plant parts can also be moved by earth-moving machinery, slashers and mowers and vehicles.
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