Weed swap unearths mean pest plants

Greater Wellington pest plant staff were delighted to see two of the region’s nastiest climbing and smothering weeds turn up at a weed swap in Wellington in September.

Pest plant officer Pedro Jensen says 64 different types of weeds were brought in, but the highlight was getting two of the plants on Greater Wellington’s “most wanted list” – Madeira vine and blue passion flower.

“Both are aggressive vines that can smother and kill entire gardens and can be a real menace if they get into native bush areas.

“For that reason Madeira vine and blue passion flower are Total Control pest plants, and we are trying to eradicate them before they become properly established. If we hear about these pest plants we will come and remove them free of charge.”

Mr Jensen says the Madeira vine was found at Makara and the blue passion flower at Miramar and having people report these plants was very important and greatly appreciated.

“We’re out there looking for these pest plants, but we can’t be everywhere. Tips from public make our job much easier.”

The weed swap was held in Civic Square during Conservation Week (5 to 12 Sept) and people were invited to bring the ‘worst weed’ from their garden and exchange it for a native plant. More than 250 people attended. The event organised by the Department of Conservation, Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington.

A full list of pest plants included in Greater Wellington’s Regional Pest Management Strategy can be found at www.gw.govt.nz/pest-plants-6