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
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.
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.