Main Content
Turkey Rhubarb
Botanical name: Acetosa sagittata
Noxious Weed Category: Class 4
Turkey Rhubarb Management Plan
Photo: Adam Burrowes Turkey Rhubarb tubers
Description
Native to South Africa, Turkey Rhubarb is a vigorous prostrate or climbing perennial herb to 5m long. Found in damp disturbed areas.
The bright green leaves are arrowhead shaped leaves and have a sharp lemony tang. Many underground tubers form as a series of small "potatoes" linked by thin strands. Green-cream flowers arranged in branching clusters appear in spring gradually chaning to red. Small clusters of 3-winged cream paper-like fruit turn brown with age. Each winged envelope contains one seed.
Dispersal
Seed is spread by wind, and water.
Impact on bushland
Prolific seeder, regenerates from tubers if top growth is removed. Seeds often germinate under other vegetation and plant then climbs to reach light, smothering supporting plant.
Control Requirements
This weed must be continuously prevented from seeding, prevented from spreading into the existing canopy and prevented from growing within one metre of the property boundary. For more details see the Turkey Rhubarb Management Plan.
Control
Manual:
- Pull off flower heads before seed matures. Collect seed into a bag. Hold the bag under the seeds, as ripe seed falls easily.
- Dig out tubers using a trowel. Tuber fragments left in the ground may grow.
- As major aim is to stop seed production, scraping stems and treating with a neat Glyphosate based product may not be fatal to the tubers, but may kill off top growth. This is useful if tubers are in inaccessible places.
See Manual Weed Control Techniques.
Chemical: Please contact your local control authority for advice on chemical control.
Similar species
Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus) is an introduced climber with similar foliage but climbs with the help of tendrils. It has masses of pink flowers in summer but is not often grown in Sydney as it perfers a hotter climate.
The native twiner Calystegia spp does not develop the papery seeds that Acetosa does and has white flowers, generally found in damp places. If in doubt, wait for the flower or seed to reveal which one it is.