Hiking Hostages
When hiking through Queensland rainforests adventures in Australia there’s one plant you might notice that shouldn’t be there. Climbing seven metres high and producing seeds that can scatter for kilometres, the white moth vine (Arujia sericifera) is a significant threat to the biodiversity of the south east Queensland. The plant can be identified by small white or pink flowers that grow into fruit (pictured) resembling a choko or pear.
While infestations of moth vine are still small and scattered along the Great Dividing Range in south east Queensland. Hikers can help reduce its spread to avoid large and difficult-to-manage outbreaks by not spreading seeds that may lodge to their boost or socks. Juvenile moth vine has shallow roots and can be easily removed by hand, especially while soil is moist. Gloves must be worn when removing moth vine as skin contact with the plant’s milky sap can result in an allergic reaction. A moth vine “must-read” is the pest series fact sheet produced by the Department of Natural Resources and Water.
