Description
Leaf Cactus is an climbing vine-like shrub with arched or scrambling branches up to 10 m long, with older woody stems to 20-30 mm diameter. Leaf Cactus has claw-like, paired, 3-5 mm long spines in the leaf bases and clustered, straight, 10-60 mm long spines on the older woody stems. Its leaves are flattened egg shaped, succulent and waxy, 40-100 mm long, 20-50 mm wide and about 1 mm thick. Its flowers are fragrant, 25-55 mm diameter, in large bunches, white to pale yellow, often aging pink. Its fruit are spiny roundish berries, 20-45 mm diameter, yellow to orange in colour and very distinctive.
For further information and assistance with the identification of Leaf Cactus contact the herbarium in your state or territory.
Distribution:
In Australia, Leaf Cactus is restricted to scattered sites in coastal south-eastern Queensland and the adjacent parts of New South Wales. There are single records for northern Queensland and central New South Wales.
Leaf Cactus has the potential to invade sub tropical riparian vegetation along rivers and tributaries from Queensland to the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Habit:
Shrub, Vine
Key points:
- Leaf Cactus (Pereskia aculeata) forms dense thickets with climbing spiny branches.
- It propagates readily from branch fragments and from seed and grows on a wide range of soils and tolerates shade.
- Succulent fruits are eaten by birds and as a result there is the potential for a rapid spread and establishment of new populations.
- Although the plants are ornamentally attractive they should not be planted in areas where they are likely to escape and establish.
- Currently this species is relatively localised to a few areas in New South Wales and Queensland. If this species is found you should contact your local weed management authority.
How it spreads:
Leaf Cactus has edible fruits and it is widely cultivated in various parts of the world. Its seeds are readily eaten by birds and the potential of establishing new populations is high. In cities, birds can move propagules (seed or other parts from which a plant can reproduce) a long way from the original plant using corridors provided by parks, streets, drains and other watercourses. Plants will also establish readily from discarded plants or fragmented branches.
Dumping of the plant in roadside vegetation is another likely cause of spread. Where Leaf Cactus is near creeks and other water bodies, pieces of the plant may be washed downstream a considerable distance to establish new populations.
Where it grows:
Leaf Cactus will grow vigorously in tropical and subtropical environments and grows readily in the eucalyptus communities in south-eastern Queensland and northern New South Wales. It is also drought tolerant and prefers light shade so it will grow well under light canopies or along the margins of woodlands. It tolerates a wide range of soil types and favours well-drained nutrient rich ones. In both Queensland and New South Wales it occurs in riparian vegetation along the banks of rivers. In its native subtropical range the temperatures are warm for most of the year but it will tolerate cool winters in Australia.
Flower colour:
White, Yellow, Pink
Distribution map:
Impacts:
Leaf Cactus is on the Alert List of Environmental Weeds, a list of 28 non-native plants that threaten biodiversity and cause other environmental damage. Although only in the early stages of establishment, these weeds have the potential to seriously degrade Australia’s ecosystems.
Leaf Cactus could have significant impact on native trees by overgrowing and smothering them. It could affect biomass by clambering over vegetation and destroying it. It forms large impenetrable thickets and the large spiny stems and branches make control of large infestations very difficult. It has the ability to regrow from stumps and herbicidal control may not be completely effective unless carried out correctly. The succulent fruits are attractive to birds as a food source and are readily dispersed enabling new populations to establish and if unchecked may result in rapid spread. It could seriously injure people and restrict access to riverbanks and have a major impact on recreation and tourism.
Origin:
Leaf Cactus is native to the West Indies, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil and Argentina from sea level to 1000m. It is also cultivated and naturalised in southern Africa, southern United States and Mexico.
