Clover dodder

Clover dodder is a rootless parasitic plant with leaves reduced to minute scales.

Description

• Thin, hairless thread-like stems that are pink, red, yellow or purple.

• Leaves are small and scale-like on the stems.

• Flowers are purplish in groups of 7-25, growing directly on the stems.

• Fruits are spherical capsules topped with withered petals containing up to four seeds.

• Seeds are dispersed by water or animals and fragments by water, soil, or vehicle movement.

• Habitats include lowland and coastal areas.

What you need to know

Clover dodder significantly impacts its host plants by weakening them and reducing crop yields.

Management approach

Clover dodder 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 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.

To help protect our environment:

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

Physical control

Hand pulling is suitable for scattered infestation as the host plant may also need to be removed.

Plant parts requiring disposal: all parts

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal options