The Committee for Lorne: ‘Snotty Nose’ or Coastal Tea Tree … your choice!

With John Agar – Committee for Lorne.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a piece for this page titled “Changing Foreshores and Shifting Sands,” where, towards the end, I raised the issue of coastal weeds and the efforts of our coastal overlord, GORCAPA, to rid Lorne of its coastal tea tree.

Looking back into my files, I have found a piece I wrote in December 2019 for my monthly ‘From the Deck’ column in the Lorne Independent titled “Oh, What a Tangled Web [They] Weave.” It featured the dodder vine, or to use its far more descriptive local term — ‘Snotty Nose’ … and if you wonder why ‘Snotty Nose,’ just use your imagination when you next pass an infestation! The Lorne Independent article went like this …

“From my deck, I gaze down to the swing bridge across a tangle of vines in the small stand of gums lining Deans Marsh Road just before the up-take of Minapre Street. I immediately thought that this ‘infestation’ must be bad, resisted, cut out – like a surgeon might cut free a canker. This web of green vine that blankets the canopy of the trees like a winter shawl is coarse Dodder-laurel (Cassytha melantha). This common infestation has a preference for messmate eucalypts or swamp gums, although it can blanket almost any shrub. Other examples can be found lining the Great Ocean Road near the Cathedral carpark.

It is a parasite vine, a relation to mistletoe, that will, and does, eventually strangle and kill the host tree.

But is dodder laurel all doom and gloom … especially considering that it is a close family relative of ‘the love vine’ of the Americas – Cassytha filiformis – a parasitic vine that, in the Caribbean islands, has earned a reputation as an aphrodisiac! But, dear readers, even though its fruits are edible, I would strongly caution against trying it out on a steamy summer’s evening!

In a natural environment, the loss of a tree to dodder creates a clearing where other small plants can flourish until another tree regrows, but, in a home garden, consideration should be given to removal as the small plants could be weeds, and there will be limited opportunity for the tree species to return.

However, to remove it, all infected branches must be removed, though doing so in heavy infestations may lead to the death of the tree. There are several examples of dodder thriving on eucalypts in Anglesea streets. Because dodder can kill host plants, it is being investigated as a potential suppressor of weeds such as gorse and blackberry. While it may kill the odd tree, the tangled mass of vegetation certainly provides different ecological niches to most other vegetation types. Dodder species are more common than mistletoe in this district.

From a vic.gov.au information site on the Yarra Ranges: See … [https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/PlantDirectory/Climbers-Creepers/Cassytha-melantha] the following information is given: Common Name: Coarse Dodder-Laurel. Description: It is a large, partly parasitic robust climber with green to reddish-brown that attaches to the stems of the host and becomes rootless at maturity. Leaves: The leaves are tiny, red, scale-like, and hairy. Flowers: Spikes of tiny white flowers covered in black hairs appear from June to October. It has round, creamish-coloured fruit that is often covered with black streaks. Habitat: It creates a dense, tangled mass in open forests and woodlands. It can completely cover small trees and shrubs, strangling them. It enjoys full sun to partial shade. Aboriginal uses: Its fruit is edible and formed part of the Aboriginal diet. Value to other species: The caterpillars that feed on it attract butterflies.

While my immediate response is the oft-used Coodabeen Champion call – ‘get rid of it’ – it may be that my knee-jerk reaction ought to be more tempered.

Some botanical notes about dodder-laurel from Margaret MacDonald in our ‘next-door neighbour’ town of Anglesea’ [Flowers of Anglesea and Aireys Inlet, 2009] include the following edited passage: ‘These ‘parasitic’ plants are natural features of our local vegetation communities and contribute to biodiversity values providing safe harbour, food and nesting sites for fauna. Many bird nests and ringtail possum ‘dreys’ [NB: a ‘drey’ is the name given to a ringtail nest] can be found within dodder, while gang-gang cockatoos and currawongs feed on dodder fruit, and honeyeaters feed from its flowers.’

While from our perspective, a dodder is a tangled and ugly mess that seems hell-bent on destroying the host tree, it does serve useful purposes for other of our wildlife. As such, maybe we should cut the dodder a little slack!

In addition, as I dodder toward my dotage, I find I have a certain affinity with a vine that dodders as I now dawdle.”

So said I in the Lorne Independent in December 2019. But … I now find myself returning to that earlier piece in the light of GORCAPA’s recent drive to cut, slash, and poison swathes of Lorne’s coastal tea tree on the basis that it is a weed and has no place along our foreshore. Coastal tea tree is a weed and must go — so our minder pontificates — for, while a native and indigenous plant, we are told it was not locally endemic before 1400AD … a date stamp I struggle with [see SCT: Friday, July 21st: p 21]. This raises the issue of ‘what is or is not an endemic weed … [Definition: “endemic” = a plant (or animal) native and restricted to a specific place].

How is it that coastal tea tree, while an Australia-wide native, is classed as an endemic Lorne area weed while the swathes of unsightly ‘Snotty Nose’ that are obliterating the roadside vegetation from Big Hill into Lorne are somehow ‘OK’?

The dodder vine [aka Snotty Nose] does not appear among the more than eighty weeds listed in the 92-page “Weeds of the Surf Coast Shire” document [https://www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Environment/Natural-environment/Weeds-of-the-Surf-Coast], seven of which are climbers and creepers. On the other hand, in NSW [https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Dodder], Queensland [https://weeds.brisbane.qld.gov.au/weeds/golden-dodder], and WA [https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/declared-plants/golden-dodder-declared-pest], it seems to be pest-of-the-month?

Only on the Surf Coast does the dodder vine seem free to run open slather and unopposed as it blights and smothers the GOR gateway to Lorne.

I don’t know about you, but if push came to shove between Lorne’s coastal tea tree and its gateway Snotty Nose, I know which of the two I would be trying to control first.

John Agar

A word from the Chairman – John Higgins.

Hello,

By the time you read this column, the Matildas will be either on the eve of the greatest game of their lives or will have done their country proud in the “world” game at the highest level. Whichever way the cards fall, they will have changed the face of sport (particularly women’s) in Australia forever.

What they did last Saturday night against France was nerve-wracking, emotional, and wonderful. To see people who would never have watched a game of women’s soccer before the last two weeks, cheering exuberantly (while trying to Google the rules for extra time and penalty shootouts!) in restaurants, pubs, public places, and homes across the country, was a sight to behold. Not only does it send a message to our young people that there are opportunities for them on the world stage no matter their gender, ethnicity, or orientation, it also provides light in a world sometimes darkened by negativity, conflict, and disharmony. Like our America’s Cup win or Cathy Freeman’s Olympic Gold, it is a moment that unites the country and builds national pride.

Lorne Football Netball Club: A Season of Achievements and Unity

Closer to home, our own Lorne Football Netball Club teams are heading to the end of their seasons and give us much to cheer about! Our President Carly Enticott has provided this summing up of the season, with one round to go.

• Our A Grade netball team will battle it out with the Colac Imperials this week for a spot in the finals, whilst our Under 13 netballers will play finals. This is the first time we have juniors in finals since 2015!
• In football, our Seniors, Reserves, and Under 18s will play finals. Special mention must go to our Under 14s who have battled out the season gallantly after starting the year with only 9 players.

I asked Carly what the highlights were of her first year as president. She responded:

• Better buy-in by the playing group. We have always had good support from our off-field membership and sponsors, but this year we have seen some of the players stepping up to take on extra roles, such as seniors and reserves players volunteering to umpire junior games. Also, under 18s volunteering on the BBQ.
• Emerging culture and leadership, particularly among those holding positions of responsibility in senior football and netball.
• Thursday night community dinners. It is great to come off the training track cold and wet to be greeted by 70-80 members and guests. It demonstrates that the Club is cross-generational, from the kids doing handstands in the foyer, to Doug Stirling (100 not out!) bringing his family along.
• The fourth highlight will be the President’s Luncheon being held on August 19 with a special guest, Mike Brady.

Congratulations Carly on your contribution as LFNC’s first female president! Well done to all our teams, good luck to those playing finals, and thank you to our many volunteers. The Club reflects all that is great about our Lorne community.

Cheers,

John Higgins – Committee for Lorne Chairman.

Lorne Ward Events Calendar

August

19 Wonderfalls Trail Run – A Trail Running Event for All Levels

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure amidst nature with the 19 Wonderfalls Trail Run! Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or just starting out, this event offers something for everyone. Choose from a range of distances including 5km, 13km, 25km, 42km, and 52km, allowing you to challenge yourself at a level that suits you best.

The event will take place at the picturesque Cumberland River Holiday Park, providing a stunning backdrop for your trail running experience. Prepare to conquer diverse terrains and enjoy the beauty of the natural landscape. To learn more and register, visit trailsplus.com.au/wonderfalls.

19 Lorne Dolphins Football and Netball V Colac Imperials – A Sports Showdown Not to Miss!

Mark your calendars for an exciting sports showdown on September 19 as the Lorne Dolphins Football and Netball teams take on the fierce opponents, Colac Imperials. The action-packed day will kick off with junior matches from 9am, followed by the seniors’ matches at 2pm. The battleground for this thrilling event is none other than the renowned Stribling Reserve.

Cheer for your local teams and witness the dedication and sportsmanship on display. Support your community athletes as they aim for victory in this gripping encounter.

September

3 Run the Marsh – Lace Up for a Fun Run!

Attention all fitness enthusiasts! Get ready to lace up your running shoes and participate in the 3 Run the Marsh event. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a competitive run, this event caters to all preferences. Choose from a 3km walk or opt for the 2km or 5km fun run. The event will take place at the scenic Frogwood Arboretum in Deans Marsh, starting at 9am.

To be part of this invigorating event, make sure to register at deansmarsh.org.au and secure your spot on the track.

10 Amy’s Gran Fondo – Cycling Adventure on the Great Ocean Road

Calling all cycling enthusiasts! Prepare to embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure along the iconic Great Ocean Road. Join Amy’s Gran Fondo, a premier cycling event, as you pedal your way through breathtaking landscapes and challenging routes. This is an opportunity to push your limits and experience the beauty of the region from a unique perspective.

For more information and registration details, visit amysgranfondo.org.au.

15 ‘What a Wonderfulworld’ Exhibition – Celebrating Local Artists

Art aficionados, here’s an event to mark on your calendars! The ‘What a Wonderfulworld’ Exhibition is set to captivate your senses as it showcases the exceptional talent of local artists. The exhibition opens with a grand event on Friday from 6pm to 7:30pm and will be open to the public daily from 10am to 4pm.

Visit the Lorne Community Connect to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and artistic expression. Don’t miss the chance to appreciate the beauty and imagination of local artists in this captivating exhibition.