Tackling Crab’s Eye Creeper at Beach Access 49
At our working bee on 19 September, Noosa Coast Care volunteers focused on removing Crab’s Eye Creeper (Abrus precatorius subsp. africanus) from the area between the bridge and the pathway at Beach Access 49.
Crab’s Eye Creeper is an environmental weed in south-eastern Queensland. This exotic vine and scrambler can invade native plant communities, smothering vegetation both on the ground and in the canopy, and suppressing the regeneration of native plants. Its ability to alter the structure and character of a plant community makes its control an important part of protecting our coastal reserves.
Getting to the root of the problem: the roots of the Crab’s eye creeper are long and often bifurcated.
Crab’s Eye Creeper can be difficult to remove because it has a long root that needs to be extracted to help prevent regrowth. Our volunteers used two tree poppers to tackle the plants: one purchased with the support of Noosa Council, and a prototype tool we are testing for removing smaller Crab’s Eye Creeper plants. These tools make the job easier and help ensure the root is removed.
The team also collected the plant’s distinctive bright red seeds to reduce the chance of another generation establishing in the area.
Volunteers showing the length of the roots of the abrus.
Asparagus Fern was also removed during the working bee, using the Asparagus Assassin. Controlling this persistent weed is an ongoing task, but today our main focus was on tackling Crab’s Eye Creeper.
Supporting the recovery of native vegetation
Removing invasive weeds from this area will help create better conditions for native plants to regenerate. This work is part of our ongoing efforts to protect and restore the coastal vegetation around Marcus Beach.
A big thank you to Noosa Council for supporting our work through the purchase of a tree popper, and to all the volunteers who contributed their time and effort. After two solid hours of work, the team enjoyed a well-earned morning tea and a chance to catch up.
Help prevent the spread
Crab’s Eye Creeper should never be dumped in bushland reserves or coastal dune areas. Disposing of invasive weeds in these natural areas can contribute to their spread and create further problems for native vegetation.
You can find more information about Crab’s Eye Creeper and other invasive plants on our Our Worst Weeds page.
0 Comments