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Erect tar vine
What is it?
Erect tar vine (Boerhavia erecta), also known as erect spide
rling vine, is a fast-growing weed that invades crops, degrades the environment and provides almost impenetrable refuges for feral animals.
Where is it found?
Erect tar vine originated in American tropics but is now widespread in Africa, India, Thailand, China, Indonesia, New Guinea and western Polynesia. There are several native relatives of tar vine in Australia, but erect tar vine has not yet been recorded here.
What are its effects?
Erect tar vine is a spreading, herbaceous plant that grows to about a metre. It rapidly invades annual crops such as maize (corn), sorghum, peanuts, beans and also young orchards and the understoreys of native woodlands, smothering vegetation. It is highly suited to dry climates and can grow in sandy, nutrient-poor soils.
What’s the risk to Australia?
Erect tar vine’s sticky seeds spread long distances by attaching themselves to clothing, footwear, fur, feathers, farm implements and vehicles, which are all possible modes of entry into Australia.