Harlequin glorybower

Harlequin glorybower is a large deciduous shrub that grows between 3 and 6 metres high.

Description

• Leaves are ovate, long, soft and downy or hairy producing a peanut odor when crushed.

• Fragrant flowers have white petals, held within a green calyx which turns red as the fruits ripen.

• The fruits are white, changing to bright blue and eventually dark blue on maturity.

• Seeds are dispersed by birds and other animals.

• Habitats include thickets on mountain slopes.

What you need to know

Harlequin glorybower is known for its aggressive growth and its ability to outcompete native plants. Its leaves and seeds are poisonous can be toxic to humans and animals.

Poison advice

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

Management approach

Harlequin glorybower 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

Dig or pull-out small plants and seedlings

Plant parts requiring disposal: seeds

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal options

Chemical control

Cut plant close to the ground and immediately treat the stump with herbicide gel containing glyphosate.

Drill downward sloping holes around the circumference of the trunk about 8-10 cm apart and inject trees with glyphosate (120g/L) either neat or 250ml per 1L of water if safe to do so.

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

Large trees must not be drilled that are closer than 1.5 times the height of the tree from paths, walkways and property.

Trees over 4 metres in height should be removed by a qualified arborist.