Title: Campaspe students weed out environmental data
[Campaspe News, 26 Oct 2010, p. 4] -- The work of five St Joseph’s College students in mapping an invasive environmental weed along the Campaspe River has been recognised by Council. As part of a Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) project which began in mid April, the group of students mapped infestations of bridal creeper one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasiveness, potential for spread, economic and environmental impacts on the western side of the river, between Warren Street and Ogilvie Avenue in Echuca. The students also noted any changes to native vegetation and the effects the creeper was having on the environment.
The five students gave a presentation to representatives of Council, St Joseph’s and the Echuca Landcare group recently, explaining their project and its findings. The students illustrated a clear commitment to the local environment and learned a lot during their studies.
Bridal creeper - which was originally introduced to Australia as a garden plant, is now predominantly found on sandy, well-drained soils and has invaded grassland, heathland, dry forests, the banks of watercourses and roadsides all over Victoria.
The weed, which is one of the 20 Weeds of National Significance, is a perennial climber and can grow to up to 3m tall, with long, wiry stems and a thick mat of underground fleshy tubers, which impede the root growth of other plants and often prevents seedling establishment. It has glossy green leaves, with pea-sized green berries which ripen to red and white sweetly scented flowers.
A small bridal creeper plant showing the extensive root network.
Isolated plants or small infestations can be dug out when the ground is soft. Because more than 85% of the plant is found underground, it is important that the whole root system is removed, otherwise regeneration will occur. Spraying herbicide is also an effective method of control.
