Tasmania’s native eco­systems are in a battle against the invasive Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides), a pesky asparagus weed with a knack for spreading. This hardy plant, capable of thriving in various en­vironmental conditions, poses a threat to Tasma­nia’s natural flora.

Despite its relative rarity in Tasmania, the Bridal Creeper is slowly but surely making its way southeast from the north­ern regions, where there is more of it growing.

There have been recent sightings in the Huon and Derwent valleys, as well as within the Brighton municipality.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The weed’s current levels make their removal possible. The key lies in understanding how big the problem is, and here’s where you can play a part.

The iNaturalist app is a tool for identifying and mapping weeds and other plants and animals. Download the app on your mobile phone, snap a photo of any suspicious flora and fauna, and share your observations. In the case of Bridal Creepers, share by selecting the ‘Bridal Creeper in Tasma­nia’ project.

Telltale signs of the Bridal Creeper include:

• Stems up to 3m long that twist around what­ever they touch
• Small, hard and pointy leaves that grow alter­nately (not opposite each other)  Small white flowers that are produced in late winter to early spring
• Pea-sized fruits that form in spring, first green then maturing to red.

Even if you’re not tech savvy, you can contribute by keeping an eye out for signs of the Bridal Creep­er, and then reporting your findings to Raelene Mibus at 03 6295 3262 or raelene.mibus@envi­ro-dynamics.com.au.