Weed Potential
As a weedMoth Plant is wide spread in eastern and south eastern Australia. It grows in a variety of native habitats including woodlands, along water courses or in disturbed or degraded land. Growth occurs during the warmer months in moist positions but the plant can tolerate dry periods once established.

The vine smothers ground vegetation and climbs into shrubs and trees where the combined weight of plant and fruit can snap branches. The plant prefers a sunny to semi shaded position maturing in 2-3 years. The main form of reproduction is seed that is produced large pendant fruit and is dispersed by wind, water or in garden waste.

Control methodsinclude cutting the stems on mature plants and then physically digging out the roots. Fruit can be picked before its splits open from the plant and bagged. All plant material should be removed off site and destroyed.

Plants may also be sprayed or stem-scraped then painted with a non-selective herbicide. Take care not to spray native plants. Follow up applications are required as fallen seeds germinates readily.