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Dolichos Pea | CW0003 |
Coast Action/Coastcare
August, 2001 |  |
Introduction
Botanical Name: Dipogon lignosus
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: South Africa
Distribution
Weed Dispersal
Seed flung away as pod splits. Possibly dispersed by insects. Sometimes deliberately planted.
Indigenous Look-a-likes
Running Postman, Kennedia prostrata
Groundcover with long, creeping stems. Bright red flowers in Winter and Spring. Leaflets have undulating edges without a tapering point.
Identification
Form
CLIMBER- Perennial vine with slender , twining stems becoming ropelike with age. Climbs to 4m.
Leaf
The long stalked leaves are smooth, medium green and pale below. Each leaf consists of 3 tapering leaflets (3- 9 cm ´ 1- 7cm) | |
Pods
Narrow, sickel shaped pods (2-
5cm long) with ovate, black seeds, (up to 4.5mm long). | |
Flower
Clusters of pea-like blooms, white, pale mauve to purple, are borne on stalks mainly between September- January. | |
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Management
Permission should be sought from the land manager before any weed control is undertaken.
Removal methods
Remove small and scattered plants first and then target outer edges of larger infestations. Best removed before seeding.
Dolichos has a deep woody tap root.
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Hand pull or dig out trailing vines, carefully removing all roots, and minimising soild disturbance
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Spray young seedlings with suitable herbicide, if appropriate.
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Cut climbing stems from roots with secateurs.
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Alternatively, paint cut stumps of large plants with suitable herbicide immediately after cutting
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Hand pull or dig out trailing vines, carefully removing all roots and minimising soil disturbance.
Disposal
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Providing there are no seeds, leave plants to decompose on the ground with their roots in the air. Alternatively seal in a strong bag and take to the tip.
Maintenance
Monitor site regularly for regrowth or new seedlings. Hand pull or dig out.
Life Cycle
The life cycle may vary according to seasons and site conditions such as soil type, aspect and location.
Replacement Plants
Replace Dolichos Pea with appropriate indigenous plants. Encourage indigenous plant regeneration. Seek advice from you local indigenous nursery or your NRE Coast Action/Coastcare facilitator.
Herbicide Recommendations
- Always consider manual weed removal methods before herbicide treatments, to avoid the unnecessary introduction of herbicides into the natural environment.
- Information on up-to-date herbicide treatment is available from herbicide companies.
- Users of herbicides should read the label fully, follow directions carefully and ensure that correct precautions and procedures are applied. To do otherwise is at the user’s own risk.
- It is advisable for at least one member of any environment group to have undertaken an approved chemical safety course. See local TAFE courses.
Did you know?
- Dolichos is an invasive plant and a very serious threat to indigenous vegetation.
- It is also known as Lavatory Creeper, Dunny Creeper or Chookhouse Vine as it was frequently grown to hide these structures.
- Dolichos seeds readily, is a vigorous climber and will smother indigenous vegetation.
- It was introduced as a garden plant and is still available in nurseries.
- Seeds can lie in the soil for many years and still germinate.
- Seed stored in soil is substantially reduced by fire. Mature plants are fire sensitive.
Feedback
New information is vital. Please inform your local NRE Coast Action/Coastcare facilitator of your weed management results.
References
- Bodkin, F. (1990). Encyclopaedia Botanica. Angus and Robertson, NSW.
- Carr, G.W., Yugovic, J.V., Robinson, K.E. (1992). Environmental Weed Invasions in Victoria. Department to Natural Resources and Environment, & Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd, Melbourne
- Monfries, M. (1982). Seaside Gardening in Australia. Methuen, Australia.
- Walsh, N. & Entwhistle, T. (1996). Flora of Victoria. Vol. 3. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
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The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
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