pg . 66
NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE
RUBBER VINE
Cryptostegia grandiflora
RUBBER VINE
VINES
DESCRIPTION
This is a robust woody perennial climbing vine growing to 2 metres unsupported or up to 30 metres in trees . The stems , leaves and seed pods have a milky sap when broken or cut .
Leaves are smooth , glossy dark green with a purple mid-rib . They are 6 to 10 centimetres long and 3 to 5 centimetres wide . They sit in opposite pairs along the stem .
Flowers are large and showy . They have 5 white to light purple petals arranged in a funnel shape . It flowers all year round .
Seed pods have many seeds with long , white silky hairs . They are rigid and grow in pairs at the end of a short stalk . They are 10 to 12 centimetres long by 3 to 4 centimetres wide .
Habitat it is found in creek and river systems , and adjacent hillsides and pastures . It prefers areas where annual rainfall is 400 to 1,400 millimetres and is well adapted to a monsoonal climate .
Weed characteristics it invades and smothers riparian vegetation and forms dense , sometimes impenetrable thickets . It also creates a habitat for feral animals . This species is poisonous to stock .
Dispersal seeds are scattered by wind and water .
BIOSECURITY MATTER
Restricted . This species is Category 3 Restricted matter under Queensland Legislation . This species is also listed a Weed of National Significance ( WONS )
HOW TO ACT
Burning is highly effective in areas away from fire sensitive native vegetation . Biological control agents assist by defoliating the plants and promoting grass growth for better fire management . Basal barking or cut stump methods can be employed in environmentally sensitive areas . Care should be taken to minimise off target species impacts . Mechanical removal can be effective if the roots can be disturbed .
RUBBER VINE