The hummingbird plant, also known as the hummingbird vine or Anredera cordifolia, is a fast-growing perennial climber native to South America that has become an invasive weed in parts of Australia. Here are some key facts about this plant:
The hummingbird plant is a member of the Basellaceae family and can grow up to 12 meters long. It has heart-shaped leaves and produces small white flowers. The plant gets its name from its tubular flowers which resemble the beak of a hummingbird.
This plant is native to Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina but has been introduced to many other regions as an ornamental garden plant. In Australia, the hummingbird vine was first recorded in gardens in the early 1900s after being imported as a garden plant from South America. Since then, it has naturalized and become an invasive species in eastern Australia from far north Queensland to Victoria.
Growth Habits
The hummingbird vine is a vigorous climber and spreader that climbs by means of aerial rootlets which emerge from the stems. These clingy roots allow it to scale walls, trellises, fences, trees, power poles and more. The vine grows rapidly when conditions are favorable, and a single plant can quickly cover a large area in dense foliage.
Here are some key facts about the growth habits of the hummingbird vine:
- Grows in full sun to partial shade
- Spreads vegetatively as well as by seed
- Can grow up to 12 meters vertically and 4 meters horizontally in a single season
- Drought and frost tolerant once established
- Evergreen in mild climates, semi-deciduous in colder areas
- Sprouts readily from any node or plant fragment that contacts soil
The aggressive climbing and spreading tendencies of the hummingbird vine enable it to overwhelm native vegetation, including shrubs and trees. It competes strongly for light, nutrients and moisture.
Impacts as an Invasive Weed
While it makes an attractive ornamental plant, the hummingbird vine is considered a problematic invasive species in Australia. Here are some of the major impacts it has in invaded areas:
- Overtakes native plant communities
- Outcompetes native vegetation
- Contributes to loss of biodiversity
- Forms dense thickets and monocultures
- Adds fuel load in bushland areas, increasing fire risk
- Obscures sunlight from reaching other plants
- Its weight can bring down trees and trellises
The aggressive nature of the hummingbird vine allows it to displace less vigorous native species. It can scramble over the top of shrubs and small trees, blocking sunlight and weighing them down. This creates flow-on effects for native fauna by reducing habitat and food sources.
Distribution in Australia
The hummingbird vine has a wide but scattered distribution along coastal and near-coastal regions of eastern Australia. It occurs in both natural and disturbed habitats such as:
- Forest edges and gaps
- Watercourses and drainage lines
- Roadsides and waste areas
- Urban bushland and gardens
Here is a table summarizing the distribution of hummingbird vine in different states:
| State | Distribution |
|---|---|
| Queensland | Widespread in coastal areas from Cooktown to the NSW border |
| New South Wales | Occurs along the entire coastline |
| Victoria | Found east of the Great Dividing Range from far East Gippsland to the NSW border |
The plant has a fairly limited distribution in Australia compared to some other invasive vines. However, within its range it is considered a threat to native plant communities. Its presence is very noticeable due to its rapid growth and dense foliage.
Control Methods
Due to its invasive tendencies, it is recommended to remove hummingbird vine wherever it occurs on properties. However, getting rid of established plants can be challenging. Here are some control methods that can be used:
- Manual removal: Physically digging out smaller plants. All roots and fragments must be removed or they may re-sprout.
- Cutting and herbicide: Severing stems and immediately treating with herbicide to deliver down to the roots.
- Cut-stump: Cutting main stems close to ground level and applying herbicide to the freshly cut stump surface.
- Foliar spray: Thoroughly wetting all foliage with herbicide using a spray bottle or pressure sprayer.
When using herbicides, systemic types that move through the plant’s vascular system are most effective. Glyphosate and triclopyr are examples of products registered for use on hummingbird vine. Always read and follow herbicide labels carefully.
Control efforts should be persistent as any remaining sections of vine may re-sprout. Follow up monitoring and treatment will be required. Maintenance weeding needs to continue until the seedbank is depleted. Seeds can persist in the soil for over 15 years.
Replacement with Native Plants
In areas where hummingbird vine has been removed, the bare ground should be promptly revegetated to prevent reinfestation. Choose suitable quick-growing native species that can compete with any emerging weed seedlings. Some examples include:
- Kangaroo vine
- Wonga vine
- Snake vine
- Native sarsaparilla
- Wallaby grass
Select plants that are indigenous to the local area and grow them from trusted sources. Seek advice from native nurseries or environmental groups for appropriate local species. With persistence and by planting dense cover of replacement native plants, sites can be successfully restored after hummingbird vine removal.
Prevention Strategies
Some ways to avoid future invasion of hummingbird vine include:
- Not planting it as an ornamental
- Monitoring gardens and bushland for any new infestations
- Removing plants before they set seed
- Disposing of garden waste responsibly in green waste bins, not by composting or dumping
- Thoroughly cleaning tools, boots and vehicles that have been used in infested areas
- Increasing community awareness and sharing knowledge of this plant’s impacts
Public education is vital to prevent further spread. Gardeners and bushwalkers should learn to recognize this invasive vine and understand the importance of early control. With community-wide vigilance and prompt action, new incursions of hummingbird vine can be eliminated.
Conclusion
The hummingbird vine has attractive features but has proven to be highly invasive in coastal regions of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. This aggressive climber has the ability to smother native vegetation, reducing biodiversity. Ongoing control efforts are required to protect natural ecosystems from the impacts of this insidious weed. A combination of manual, chemical and biological control methods will be needed over the long term. Revegetating treated areas with dense native plantings can help suppress regrowth. Community education and vigilance will also be key to stopping the spread of hummingbird vine in Australia.
