NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE pg . 65
IVY GOURD
Coccinea grandis
DESCRIPTION
Ivy gourd is a vigorous perennial vine smothering over vegetation , including trees up to 8 to 10 metres in height . Leaves are heart shaped or pentagonal , often with toothed margins , up to 10 cm wide and long . Leaves are arranged alternately on the stem . Flowers are white with 5 petals that are fused at the base to form a cup . Seeds ripe fruit are red , cigar shaped , 25 to 60 mm long , containing multiple tan coloured seeds 6 to 7 millimetres long . Habitat Ivy gourd prefers riparian forest or along drainage lines , particularly in disturbed areas . It is likely to prefer seasonally wet areas of the dry tropics . Weed characteristics this vine has demonstrated a high tolerance to salinity , so could potentially invade coastal areas . Where stems touch the ground , the vine produces adventitious roots which thicken and swell into underground tubers . It has been known to grow up to 10 cm per day and smothers native vegetation . It invades gardens and is a known agricultural weed . Dispersal Seeds are spread by birds and wild pigs , but most dispersal is by humans
BIOSECURITY MATTER
This species is not listed under Queensland Legislation however it may be listed under local government law and control is highly recommended .
HOW TO ACT
Successful treatments include both cut stump and basal bark treatments particularly if herbicide application extends to the exposed tubers . Small plants can be removed by hand . Hand pulling of plant material may require follow up foliar spraying of regrowth . Care should be taken to monitor site as underground tuberous root system can often need direct injection of herbicide to completely control infestation .
VINES IVY GOURD