Chilean mayten

Chilean mayten is an evergreen deciduous tree no taller than 30m with a straight trunk 80cm in diameter. It outcompetes native species and is very hardy in droughts and shade.

Description

• Leaves are light green, hairless, glossy, alternatively arranged, oval or lance-like shaped with a tapered end and have serrated edges.
• Flowers are small, green-yellow and occur in late winter to mid-spring.
• Each female flower produces one or two red fruits in a yellow-brown capsule that splits open in autumn.
• Seeds are dispersed by birds and gravity. Aggressive vegetative dispersal by root suckers less than 10m from the parent tree.
• Habitats include forests, forest edges, shrublands, gardens, urban areas, coastal areas, open areas, grasslands, and wastelands.

What you need to know

Forms dense stands that outcompete native forest and shrubland as well as desirable ornamental plants in gardens and parks. Very hardy drought and shade tolerant that germinates easily.

Management approach

Chilean mayten is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, multiplied, communicated, released, caused to be released, or otherwise spread.

Consider removing this invasive species from your property and consult your local council for appropriate disposal. Consider lower-risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.

Control

Site management

Always treat standing plants, do not cut down as this will stimulate new growth. Allow to fully die before felling. Follow up treated areas three times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after two to three treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

Physical control

Dig or pull out seedlings.

Trees and suckers should be cut or mowed.

Plant parts requiring disposal: all plant parts.

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal locations.

Chemical control

Herbicide products containing fluroxypyr, picloram, or glyphosate with penetrant applied as a foliar spray, drill and fill, or cut and paste stumps can be effective.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

Biological control

Biological control is currently not available for this species.