Monkey apple

Monkey apple is a tree that can grow to 15 metres tall and live for over 100 years.

Description

• Leaves are oval, glossy on top and spotted underneath, in opposite pairs along the stem. They produce a strong aroma when crushed.

• Flowers are cream, appearing between October and January.

• Fruit is berry-like, slightly flattened, and white/pale pink/mauve with large seeds.

• Seeds are dispersed by birds and water.

• Habitats include forests, plantations, roadsides, and gardens.

What you need to know

Monkey apple invades native forest, potentially causing transformative change to forest composition and structure.

Management approach

Monkey apple 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 monkey apple yourself. Report any sightings to us.