Woodlands Historic Park
Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides)

Bridal Creeper climbing on a mostly dead Tree Violet on Gellibrand Hill
Bridal Creeper climbing on a mostly dead Tree Violet on Gellibrand Hill in Woodlands Historic Park

Reference Morin and Scott 2012.

There has been a dense infestation of Bridal Creeper in shrubland on the western side of Gellibrand Hill for at least 20 years. It extends a considerable distance into the Back Paddock, where it is controlled by Wallaby browsing. In the rest of the park Bridal Creeper is occasional under trees.

Biological Control

Biological Control Agents Released in Australia
Common Name Scientific Name Released Effectiveness
Bridal creeper leaf Hopper Zygina sp. 1999 population tends to fluctuate from year to year
Bridal Creeper Rust Fungus Puccinia myrsiphylli 2000 most effective in moist coastal areas
Bridal creeper Leaf Beetle Crioceris sp. 2003 poorly established

Some other promising insect species found to attack Bridal Creeper in South Africa have not been investigated.

Bridal Creeper on Gellibrand Hill affected by a Rust Fungus
Rust Affected Bridal Creeper on Gellibrand Hill in Woodlands Historic Park

In 2016 the bridal creeper on Gellibrand Hill appeared to be affected by a rust fungus, although only in shady areas, and with damage not becoming apparent until late winter. An attempt was made to release Bridal Creeper Leaf Hopper (redistributed from Seaford) but this was unsuccessful.