Crab eye creeper (Abrus precatorius subsp. africanus)

Origin: Tropical Africa

Description: Vigorous twining habit, pinnate leaves with 5-17 leaflets, small pinkish pea shaped flowers, flat rough textured pods with hard bright red seeds with a black spot on each

Crab eye creeper

Impact: Smothers vegetation

Spread: Seed

Physical control: Hand remove smaller plants and seeds

Chemical control: Cut and paint stump with glyphosate or neat diesel in spring to summer. Spot spray with Dicamba on mature growth or glyphosate or Meslfuron methyl, 2, 4-D amine on young actively growing plants.

 Similar native plant Abrus precatorius subsp. precatorius is found in Northern Territory but has larger and smoother pods.

Coastal Morning Glory

Coastal morning glory (Ipomea cairica)

Declared Local law Pest Plant on Fraser Island

Origin: Tropical Africa and Asia

Description: Vigorous twining habit, palmate leaves with 5-7 lobes and lavender funnel shaped flowers

Impact: Smothers vegetation

Spread: Seed and stems

Physical control: Manually remove with brush hook or other tool and dig out crowns.

Chemical control: Cut and paint stump with glyphosate in spring to summer. Spot spray with Dicamba on mature growth or 2, 4-D amine on young actively growing plants.

Blue Morning Glory

Blue morning glory (Ipomea indica)

Origin:  Tropical America and Africa

Description: Vigorous, twining habit, dark green heart-shaped leaves with blue funnel shaped flowers.

Impact: Smothers vegetation

Spread: Slashers, water and garden refuse

Physical control: Hand remove the roots and mulch heavily

Chemical control: As for coastal morning glory and as per Permit 11463.

Fact sheets available at http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/plants/weeds-pest-animals-ants/weeds