Gardening is a beloved pastime for many Australians, offering a chance to cultivate beauty and tranquillity in our own gardens. However, lurking among the foliage could be a silent invader that poses a serious threat to both your garden’s ecosystem and the health of your family and pets.
A poisonous and invasive species has taken root in every state and territory across Australia, except the Northern Territory. This cruel vine is more than just a nuisance; it’s a serious environmental and health hazard that requires immediate attention.
Originally introduced as a garden plant, the Moth Vine or moth catcher hails from South America. Its name derives from its flowers, which attract moths and butterflies. While the trapping of these insects is accidental, the real danger lies in the vine’s toxic sap, leaves, and seeds. Dr Carol Booth, Policy Director at the Invasive Species Council of Australia, warns that the sap can cause skin and eye irritation and breathing difficulties and is poisonous to both humans and wildlife.
With its ability to grow up to an astonishing 10 metres in length, this ‘jumbo weed’ can quickly overrun native plants, smothering them under a blanket of dense foliage. Its rapid spread through air and water dispersal makes it a particularly challenging weed to control.
The ACT’s Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate has issued a stark warning to residents, emphasising the importance of vigilance and immediate action. ‘Moth Vines are literally a big problem’, they cautioned, urging the community to report any sightings of the vine, even if it means alerting authorities about a neighbour’s overgrown fence.
The threat extends to domestic animals as well. The NSW Department of Primary Industries has documented cases of poisoning in poultry, cattle, and horses, with symptoms ranging from poor balance and staggering to vomiting and abdominal pain. In some instances, ingestion of the plant has led to fatalities.
The vine produces a large green fruit that can be easily mistaken for an innocuous ‘choko’, a green vegetable similar to zucchini. This mistake was made by an Australian mum who, after posting about her find on a local gardening Facebook group, was quickly warned of the plant’s toxicity and advised to wash her hands immediately.
To combat this invasive plant, residents are advised to don gloves when handling the vine and to cut its roots at least 10cm below the ground to prevent regrowth. The Queensland government reminds us that we all have a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants under our control.
As invasive plants like the Moth Vine continue to challenge gardeners and local ecosystems, staying informed and proactive remains key. While authorities and communities work together to manage these risks, individual awareness can make a meaningful difference.
Have you spotted the Moth Vine in your area or garden? How do you manage invasive plants in your own garden? Feel free to share your experiences, observations, or tips in the comments below.
Also read: A hidden garden threat left this Australian mum fighting for her son’s life
My solution is “Roundup”