Green cestrum

Green cestrum is a perennial, woody shrub that can grow up to 3 metres tall.

Description

• Shrub is between 1-3 metres tall with erect, hairless stems that become woody on maturity.

• Leaves are hairless, light green with pointed tips and wavy margins that produce a foul smell when crushed.

• Flowers are pungent, tubular, yellow/green and appearing in clusters from November – June.

• Berries are glossy black and small, staining skin purple when crushed.

• Seeds are dispersed by birds and fragments by water, soil or vehicle movement and dumped vegetation.

• Habitats include forest, scrub, riparian habitats, and shrublands

What you need to know

Green cestrum outcompetes native vegetation and is highly poisonous.

Poison advice

All plant parts are poisonous to humans and animals. If you think someone or animal has ingested green cestrum, contact your local poison information centre on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766) or your local vet.

Management approach

Green cestrum 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, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of green cestrum yourself. Report any sightings to us.