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Port St John creeper

Botanical Name Podranea ricasoliana
Family Bignoniaceae
Origin South Africa

Identification

Vigorous evergreen, hairless vine. Leaflets 20-70 mm long, long-oval and serrated, larger (50-90 mm long) on strong vegetative shoots. Flowers trumpet shaped to 80 mm, pink with rose red veins especially inside tube, Dec-May. Related to Wonga wonga-vine (Pandorea pandorana) from which it can be identified by the inflated calyx (green bracts at the base of the flower tube) with its much larger teeth (4-7 mm).

Habitats

Waste places, abandoned gardens, scrambling over other vegetation. Commonly cultivated.

Impact to Biota and Ecosystems

Reproduces by layering and the dense masses of foliage and branches tend to smother surrounding vegetation. Grows rampantly in warm areas.

Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources

Garden escape. Capsule rarely formed and seed winged. Spreads by layering.

Management

Management 

Physical Control

Hand pull whenever possible or dig plant out at the roots.

Disposal

Mulch or compost. Beware of regrowth of cut material.

Chemical Control

Climbing character of the plant means support plant will also be damaged by herbicide sprays used. Spray with Glyphosate at 100 ml in 10 litres of water if support plant damage is not an issue. In large stands cut at ground level and treat with herbicide.

Biological Control

 
Recommended Approach

Hand pull small infestations. Cut and treat larger areas.

Further Comment

Hand pull small infestations. Cut and treat larger areas.