Control moth plant now before it fruits

Moth plant is now in flower so it´s a good time to check for this invasive pest plant on your property.

Moth plant (Araujia sericifera, syn. A. hortorum), also known as kapok vine, is an invasive climber which smothers other plants and can form dense infestations in forests, coastal areas, urban reserves and gardens.

Parks and Heritage Committee Chair Sandra Coney says she knows from personal experience that moth plant is one of the most prolific pests in the region.

"It´s very important for people to control the vine now before it forms fruit and seeds.

"The spongy, choko-like fruits contain up to 1000 seeds which are spread by wind, and the seed can germinate up to five years after release.

"The vine is poisonous and its white milky sap is a skin and eye irritant which also stains clothing, so use gloves when handling it. The seedpods are also harmful to people and animals if eaten."

Biosecurity Officer Jonathan Boow says that all landowners in the Auckland region are encouraged to remove moth plant by digging out the root, or by cutting and treating the base of the vine with Vigilant® herbicide.

"Flowers, stems and immature pods can be composted at home. Larger pods should be disposed of in the rubbish bin for landfill, as they can still ripen and seed."

Landowners and occupiers in the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges Weed Control Zones and on Great Barrier Island are required to control infestations. If you see this plant in these areas please report it to the ARC on 366 2000. Landowners/occupiers in the rest of the region are encouraged to remove the plant without legal obligation. In its Proposed Regional Pest Management Strategy 2007-12, the ARC is proposing to include the remaining Hauraki Gulf Islands as a Containment area for moth plant. Containment would require landowners and occupiers to remove moth plant from their properties within the Gulf islands. The ARC is currently reviewing its Regional Pest Management Strategy and is calling for public submissions on its Proposed Strategy, by 9 February 2007. Copies are available by calling (09) 366 2000 (select option `1´) or online from www.arc.govt.nz/rpms For further information on moth plant please contact Parks and Heritage Committee Chair Sandra Coney on 021 446 370 or Biosecurity Officer Jonathan Boow on 366 2000 x8776. For pictures of moth plant in flower and with seedpods call Glyn Walters, CommunicationsTeam Leaderon366 2000 x 8114 or 021 417 188. Notes for Editors Moth plant is an evergreen climbing vine with arrowhead-shaped leaves, which are dark green on the upper side and greyish-green beneath. It grows up to six metres tall and has small tubular flowers hanging in bunches, coloured white with a pinkish-mauve centre. Although seedlings often appear in great numbers, they can be pulled out easily.

It was introduced from South America during the 1880s as an ornamental species and is called moth plant because the flowers trap and kill moths, butterflies and bees.

Ends

© Scoop Media