Sollya heterophylla is an evergreen, woody based, twining climber with attractive blue flowers. Smothers ground-flora smaller shrubs and trees. A garden escape with the fruit spread by birds and foxes. Highly invasive in Victorian coastal woodlands.
Manual control
Plants can be hand-pulled or dug out. To prevent regrowth ensure the roots are removed. Stems can be severed at the base and left to dry out in the canopy. Where practical gather any fruit from cut stems and dispose of site.
From SGLN’s 2017 weed guide.
Herbicides must be applied at the appropriate rate as specified on the label and all safety precautions followed. If chemical control is necessary near drainage lines or streams, use extreme caution as the effects on aquatic life can be devastating even in minute amounts. Always seek expert advice.
Chemical control notes from SGLN’s 2017 weed guide
Plants can be cut and painted with glysophate in spring or early summer. Foliar spraying with product such as Brush Off is possible but care is needed to prevent other vegetation damage. Always check the herbicide label before use.
These notes are from 2017, and some information, particularly herbicide information, may be out of date. Please ask local suppliers and do your own research in selecting herbicides if choosing chemical control.
Family, origin, type, plant instead, control methods and the note above are from SGLN’s pocket guide Common weeds of South Gippsland (2026).
