Pleasant conditions this morning, with light cloud keeping the temperature down as we worked along the riverbank flora on Moira Parade to remove some persistent weed intrusions.
Anita, Karen and Wendy already hard at work opposite the intersection with Langi Street, methodically clearing cape honeysuckle / fire flower / flame vine (Tecoma capensis). A dedicated start to the morning! Peter soon joined them and together they made excellent progress, clearing right through to the edge of the mangroves.
Having tackled that plant last session, Di and Jane worked further upriver to work on scattered patches of asparagus fern — both ground and climbing varieties (Asparagus aethiopicus and Asparagus asparagoides). This plant is listed as a Weed of National Significance and a Class 4 noxious weed locally. Its success comes largely from birds spreading the bright red berries, allowing it to smother native vegetation. Despite being treated in this area about three seasons ago, it has returned and is thriving again. It certainly proved no easier than removing the cape honeysuckle — apologies for the tough options today!
Anne J, surprised at not finding any mother- of- millions after the great progress made here in recent months, turned her attention to removing bulbs and fishbone fern. She finished up battling blackjack / farmers friend and cobblers pegs (Bidens pilosa), which had attached itself enthusiastically to her clothing. Interestingly, while considered a weed worldwide, the stewed leaves of this plant are known in some places for their healing properties — though certainly not the seeds!
Sharon worked a steep section where fallen branches had been hiding ground asparagus, mother of millions and other weeds, tackling a challenging but important patch.
A very productive morning all round — well done everyone, and many thanks for the effort.
There were at least twice as many bags of weeds collected as shown in the photo, with volunteers spread widely along the site.
Anita, Karen and Wendy already hard at work opposite the intersection with Langi Street, methodically clearing cape honeysuckle / fire flower / flame vine (Tecoma capensis). A dedicated start to the morning! Peter soon joined them and together they made excellent progress, clearing right through to the edge of the mangroves.
Having tackled that plant last session, Di and Jane worked further upriver to work on scattered patches of asparagus fern — both ground and climbing varieties (Asparagus aethiopicus and Asparagus asparagoides). This plant is listed as a Weed of National Significance and a Class 4 noxious weed locally. Its success comes largely from birds spreading the bright red berries, allowing it to smother native vegetation. Despite being treated in this area about three seasons ago, it has returned and is thriving again. It certainly proved no easier than removing the cape honeysuckle — apologies for the tough options today!
Anne J, surprised at not finding any mother- of- millions after the great progress made here in recent months, turned her attention to removing bulbs and fishbone fern. She finished up battling blackjack / farmers friend and cobblers pegs (Bidens pilosa), which had attached itself enthusiastically to her clothing. Interestingly, while considered a weed worldwide, the stewed leaves of this plant are known in some places for their healing properties — though certainly not the seeds!
Sharon worked a steep section where fallen branches had been hiding ground asparagus, mother of millions and other weeds, tackling a challenging but important patch.
A very productive morning all round — well done everyone, and many thanks for the effort.
There were at least twice as many bags of weeds collected as shown in the photo, with volunteers spread widely along the site.
