Is there an annoying vine in your garden with large green pods containing a milky sap? If so, it could be moth plant – a pest plant that Taranaki Regional Council wants to destroy.
The Council's biosecurity team is on a moth plant mission, for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, we recently discovered a few large plants in the New Plymouth ‘hot spots’ of Fitzroy, Waiwhakaiho, Glen Avon, Westown and the central city. Moth plant is a prolific seeder, with each pod containing thousands of seeds easily spread by wind. We went downwind checking dozens of gardens and inspecting cracks in driveways, where small vines and seedlings can hide away. Already this year we’ve logged at least 45 new moth plant sites, ranging from a plant with 188 fist-sized pods to a single seedling.
Secondly, now is a great time to act. Plants are podding so they are easier to spot. In another month or so the pods will split open and the seeds will spread, which we want to avoid.
So what’s so bad about moth plant? Similar to Old Man’s Beard, it grows rapidly up into trees, smothering and killing plants in the canopy and preventing the establishment of native plant species. It’s also been called the ‘cruel plant’ because its pink and white flowers can trap insects like moths, butterflies and bees. The sap can cause irritation or blisters on skin so wear gloves if you must handle the plant.
The good news is moth plant is a direct control plant in our Regional Pest Management Plan, which means we will get rid of it for you, free.
All you have to do is let us know – if you’re not sure, we’re happy to take a look. Call us on 0800 736 222 or email a photo to biosecurity@trc.govt.nz. You can find more info and photos at www.weedbusters.org.nz(external link).
Steve Ellis is the Taranaki Regional Council Environment Services Manager.