SICKLETHORN

Description

A robust climber introduced as an ornamental plant.

Leaves Leaf-like cladodes (modified stems) occur in clusters of 3–6 at the nodes. Are shiny, dark green, straight or slightly sickle-shaped, hairless, elongate, 3–9 cm long, 3–5 mm wide.

Flowers Small, white. Flowers from spring to early summer.

Fruit Green berries, 7–10 mm wide, ripen to bright red and contain 1–3 seeds. Occur year-round.

Stems Originate from a basal crown that may be more than 30 cm wide. Become woody with age and have sharp, stout thorns that curve backwards.

Roots Short rhizomes and forms swollen tubers.

Dispersal Primarily via seed dispersal by animals but also via tuber fragments.

Confused with Weed and introduced Asparagus species.

Control Contact your local Rous County Council Weed Biosecurity Officer for control advice and disposal. Manually remove small plants. Apply herbicide to actively growing plants. Ensure that all parts of the plant are covered with herbicide mix.

Infestations growing into the canopy may be treated with approved herbicide using basal barking or cut, scrape and paint.