Weed fightback
Weeds are now a major problem at Westgate Park and the focus of our volunteer efforts there. However, we have discovered that many of our indigenous species are holding their own against the invasion.
Dense shrubs like Pomaderris paniculosa – Coast Pomaderris and Dodonaea Viscosa – Wedge-leaf Hop-bush are effective at keeping weeds at bay but, surprisingly, so are some of our groundcovers and sprawling herbs.
Pomaderris paniculosa – Coast Pomaderris 
Dodonaea viscosa – Wedge-leaf Hop-bush 
Calocephalus lacteus – Milky Beauty-heads is surrounded by Vetch – one of the most difficult weeds to control. Veronica gracilis – Slender speedwell is a tough little trailing herb with woody roots that apparently discourage weeds. 
Tetragonia implexicoma – Bower Spinach forms dense impenetrable mats 
It’s young leaves are edible but must be steamed or boiled to remove the oxalic acid. 
The tiny Goodenia geniculata – Bent Goodenia has not only survived but flowered for the first time and spread widely . 
It’s also keeping weeds at bay in the Southern Wetlands where they are rampant.
Parts of the park with mature vegetation are largely weed-free especially where the soil is well covered by plants and leaf litter.
Leucophyta brownii – Cushion Bush in the foreground 
Bed of Ranunculus papulentus – Large River Buttercup in the River section (A now very uncommon species in Victoria) 
1st Heath