Rubber vine found on the Sunshine Coast

Article by Vector & Pest Plant Officer, Sunshine Coast Council

Rubber vine is a seriously invasive pest plant which has not yet become established on the Sunshine Coast. It has the potential to threaten our unique ecosystems and destroy habitat for some of our threatened flora and fauna and is poisonous to farm animals. This is the second plant ever to be found on the Sunshine Coast by a Council staff member in the last 30 years.  

Rubber vine is a vigorous climber with dark green glossy leaves, white to purple funnel shaped flowers, sticky white sap and seed pods that can contain up to 450 wind dispersed seed. It is spread by cutting and seed.

If you think you have found Rubber vine, please contact council before you remove it to help with identification and control. Rubber vine flowers look similar to some important native vines, so it is important to make sure you have identified it correctly before removal. See the Biosecurity Queensland webpage for more information.