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November’s pest plant of the month: Moth plant – Keep an eye out for this super spreader!


Photo: Trevor James 


Moth plant is a serious pest! 

Moth plant (Araujia hortorum) is a climbing vine with bell-shaped flowers native to South America. In New Zealand, it is an ecological weed

  • It grows quickly, smothers native plants and damages property 

  • Plants produce thousands of windborne seeds capable of spreading over 500 km!

  • It tolerates a wide range of conditions, including shade, drought, dampness and salt. 


PFK has a guide for anyone who would like to learn more about recognising and controlling this pest species. 


Moth plant is also outlaw number one for our local hit squad, so contact us if you would like to get involved with a group dedicated to keeping this plant out of our reserves and native ecosystems: VolunteerSquad@pfk.org.nz.  


If you’re controlling moth plant at home, PFK has a weed bin available for the pods, which will spread if they aren’t disposed of correctly. Be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves as the milky sap can be an irritant if it comes into contact with skin! 


Screenshots from Conservation Activity Management Software show where volunteers have controlled moth plant in Birkenhead (top) and where moth plant has been identified, but still needs attention (bottom).  


What does it look like? 

  • Dense vines that grow upwards  

  • Wavy leaves are arranged in opposite pairs 

  • White bell-shaped flowers with pink highlights 

  • Pear-shaped pods containing thistle-down-like seeds 


Why is it weedy? 

  • Grows to canopy quickly, smothering natives and causing damage to property 

  • It’s a super spreader! Each plant can produce dozens to hundreds of pods, and each pod can produce up to 1000 windborne seeds capable of travelling up to 500 km! 


How you can help: 

Recognise - Learn what it looks like 

Report - If you see moth plant, report it to us. We now have a new Weed App for reporting locations of key weeds - get in touch to find out more. 

Remove - Find out how to control the vine and get supplies from our Tool Shed. 

Restore - Plant natives in its place, to stop it coming back, and to support our native wildlife. 


What can I do to get rid of it? 

If you notice moth plant on your property or in your nearby parks, please follow these guidelines: 

  • Dig out any small seedlings, including roots 

  • For larger vines, find the stem where it goes into the ground, cut it near the base and immediately paste a thin smear of MetGel* onto the cut stem (we can provide you with tools and gel if needed) 

  • Dispose of the flowers, roots and pods by bringing them to PFK (where they will be destroyed via hot composting) or by sending them to landfill, securely tied inside a plastic bag. 

  • Leave the cut vine hanging in the tree to die 

  • Talk to your neighbours and encourage them to take action too! 

  • See more pest plant information on our website. 


* Always read the label before using any herbicides. Other herbicide treatments are possible. 


If you have a significant area of moth plant threatening an area of bush or a reserve, get in touch and we can help!  


 

 


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