White moth vine

• Perennial vine that can climb up to 7m.
• Leaves are triangular, opposite, up to 10cm long, with white underside.
• Flowers are bell-shaped, with 5 sepals 8–13mm long, 5 petals 18–20mm long, white, pink or violet.
• Fruit is large, egg-shaped, 6‐12cm long, 3–7cm wide, similar to choko, splits open when dry to release wind-borne seeds on silky hairs.
• Seeds are blackish, topped with white, silky hairs 20–30mm long.

• Found in rainforest remnants, vine scrubs and wet sclerophyll forests.
• Often seen draped over fence lines.

• Occurs in South East Queensland.

• Flowers during summer and autumn.

Environmental

• Smothers native plants with thick, tangled growth.

Social

• Exudes smelly, milky latex that may cause allergic reactions in some people.

• Seeds spread by wind and birds.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

Physical control

• Wear gloves when manually removing this plant due to irritating latex.
• Hand-pull seedlings.
• Cut roots at least 10cm below ground.

Herbicide control

• Herbicides are effective.

Read the White moth vine fact sheet (PDF, 653KB) for herbicide control and application rates.

• White moth vine is not a prohibited or restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. However, by law, everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants under their control.
• Local governments must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in their area. This plan may include actions to be taken on White moth vine. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.