Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia elegans)
Dutchman’s Pipe is a climbing plant with a striking flower.
Dutchman’s pipe is not a common weed in the Noosa shire but is growing in Sunshine Beach and other areas. Its on page 209 in Weeds of the Sunshine Coast. This vine will climb up native vegetation and smother small plants. Although this process, shared by many vine weeds, causes loss of native vegetation, it is not the worst effect of this South American species.
The Richmond Birdwing Butterfly is a local species listed as vulnerable.
The butterfly needs the Richmond birdwing vine, (Pararistolochia praevenosa), to lay its eggs on. Unfortunately, the female Richmond birdwing butterfly mistakes the Dutchman’s pipe for the native vine and lays her eggs on it. The two vines expel the same pheromone. The leaves of the Dutchman’s pipe are toxic and so when the eggs hatch the larva feed and die.
The dictionary definition of a weed is a plant that grows out of place. This can be interpreted in many ways.
I often hear people call Native Wandering Jew (Commelina diffusa) a weed because it grows uninvited
in their yard. However, this is a native plant that can be a useful groundcover or cleared away if unwanted.
A more accurate definition of a weed could be a plant that does harm. This month’s weed is one that fits that description.