Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

General Impact The Victoria DNR (2001) states that, "D. lignosus is an invasive plant and a very serious threat to indigenous vegetation. It seeds readily, is a vigorous climber and will smother indigenous vegetation.." "D. lignosus climbs over shrubs and trees, smothering and breaking them down. It also spreads over the ground, smothering native groundcover plants. As a nitrogen fixer, D. lignosus can increase soil fertility, paving the way for other weeds to invade" (Eurobodalla Shire Council, 2004).          Location Specific Impacts: Montague Is. (New South Wales) (Australia)   Reduction in native biodiversity: Several naturalized species still present are notorious for their capacity to overrun existing vegetation. D. lignosus is one of these species. It is now apparent that D. lignosus and other species were kept in check by the feral goats that roamed the island before it was declared a Nature Reserve in December 1987 (Heyligers and Adams, 2004).