Turbina: Invasive Weeds in the Wet Tropics
- Terrain NRM
- Mar 12
- 1 min read
Turbina is a fast-growing, scrambling vine native to tropical America. It was introduced to Australia as an ornamental plant but has since become highly invasive, particularly in Far North Queensland. It occurs in Yungaburra in Atherton Tablelands, along the Barron River below Tinaroo Dam and the lower Mowbray River.
Turbina aggressively invades rainforest margins and waterways, smothering native vegetation and disrupting ecosystems. It competes with native vines and shrubs, reducing biodiversity and altering habitat structure. Its rapid spread makes it difficult to control. It is a significant threat to Mabi Rainforest.
This video highlights how to spot a turbina plant and what to do about it including physically removing the seedlings and small plants and using herbicides to control its growth.
For more information about biosecurity risks in the Wet Tropics go to: Biosecurity Risks in the Wet Tropics
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