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Cestrum
Elegans is one of the more difficult weeds in Sherbrooke Forest because
it:
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...has no predator to control it
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...seeds prolifically
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...growth is rampant
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...layers easily so that when trees or branches fall on it , we get a profusion of new plants appearing from wherever it touches the ground. Also, since the branches can grow to some six metres in length, they tend to sag.
The tips often reach the ground and the layering process starts again.
In May 1999 we took a deep breath and began to tackle a 9 hectare section of the forest adjoining the Trestle bridge and Nation Road , hitherto quite neglected and some 60% Cestrum.
We weren't too sure we'd ever finish it but on the principle of "nothing ventured , nothing gained" began a demolition process on a weekly basis.
Taking a break occasionally to remove Cestrum from other sites, we persevered with yearly follow-up weeding and note with pleasure that the Cestrum cover is now only round about 2% at the Nation Road site.
Below are a series of photos
featuring some of the work that has been carried out to reduce the Cestrum problem.
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A
flower head of the disastrous Cestrum Elegans.
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Close
up of a Cestrum thicket.
Note the ideal weapon - a long machete!
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A daunting sight for
weedworkers:
Wall to wall Cestrum. |
Above: Clematis Creek
above Micawber Tavern. Before and after partial Cestrum
removal.
Above:
Before & after of a recently cleared Cestrum outbreak on
Lipscombe Break. The demolished weed is lying at the
right hand side of the "after" photo.
Above:
Before and after of Monbulk Creek adjacent to Nation Rd.
Note the growing Cestrum on the left hand side in the
"before" photo. It became the piled-up heap in
the left forefront of the "after" photo. We're
not sure why Mick is smiling after working THAT hard!
Above:
Firstly contemplating a Cestrum
clump, then the satisfactory result after pulling/cutting it
out. The clump in front of the men in the
"after" photo is a pile of demolished cestrum.
Above:
Before and after photos of a heavy Cestrum. First with
an ex ranger (now volunteer). Then (after), NO Cestrum
-- with current ranger.
Above: One more "before
and after". Look carefully at the right hand
side of these photos to see the difference.
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